As the nation continues to debate the validity and wisdom of Colin Kaepernick’s decision to remain seated during the national anthem, other players are also choosing to not stand. On Thursday night, before Seattle prepared to face the Raiders in Oakland, Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane remained seated on the bench during the anthem.
Seattle CB Jeremy Lane stands behind Colin Kaepernick and sits during national anthem
Lane said that he will continue to sit until he feels as if “justice is being served.”
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
“I wasn’t trying to say anything. Just standing behind Kaepernick,” Lane said following the game.
He said that he didn’t have relationship with Kaepernick, but “I just like what he’s doing.”
Lane also will continue to the protest, saying he will “keep on doing it until I feel like justice is being served.”
This is an @AP_NFL picture of #Seahawks CB Jeremy Lane sitting in protest during the national anthem tonight pic.twitter.com/AKOltqYJrt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
People took note of Kaepernick remaining seated during the anthem before the 49ers faced the Packers in Week 3 of the preseason. Kaepernick said he is choosing to remain seated until things change.
“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”
Kaepernick said Sunday that he would continue his protest this week. On Thursday, Kaepernick’s teammate, safety Eric Reid, joined him by taking a knee during the anthem before the 49ers faced the Chargers. Kaepernick wasn’t aware of Lane’s decision to also sit during the anthem, but said he was “proud of him.”
Immediately after the anthem, Lane’s teammate Richard Sherman came to the bench and spoke to him, according to Greg Bell of the News Tribune. Sherman said earlier in the week that he had heard teammates discussing this form of protest previously. He later showed support his support for his teammate:
Sherman on Lane: "He sat down, he wanted to make a point and I think he made a great point.''
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) September 2, 2016
After the game, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he has always encouraged his players speaking their mind.
“It’s a totally individual decision,” Carroll said. “I’m really proud of the progress we’re making in the conversation.”
Carroll added that he hadn’t talked to Lane about the protest before the game, but he made sure to check on him before his postgame presser.
“He was very composed and poised about it,” Carroll said. “We support our guys.”
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