Source: Michael Zagaris / Getty
UPDATE: Tuesday Sept. 26 11:30 A.M.
In his first game since kneeling during the National Anthem, fans in Oakland gave A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell a standing ovation.
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The National Anthem protest has officially spilled into other leagues.
Bruce Maxwell, the Oakland A’s rookie catcher made history Saturday night by becoming the first MLB players to kneel during the National Anthem.
“My decision had been coming for a long time.The only way we can come together is by informing. … To single out NFL players for doing this isn’t something we should be doing — I felt it should be a little more broad,” Maxwell said after the game. He cited his own racial experiences he endured in Huntsville, Ala.— which is where on Saturday Trump called NFL players who kneel during the anthem “sons of bitches.”
Maxwell is aware that some will say he’s disrespecting the flag, but with several of his family members having served in the armed forces, he’s not here for it.
“The point of my kneeling was not to disrespect our military or our constitution or our country,” Maxwell said. “My hand was over my heart because I love this country and I have family members, including my father, who bled for this country, and who continue to serve.”
Teammate Mark Canha placed his hand on Maxwell’s shoulder and the two hugged after the National Anthem was over.
“This goes beyond the black and Hispanic communities because right now we have a racial divide that’s being practiced from the highest power we have in this country saying it’s basically OK to treat people differently. I’m kneeling for a cause but I’m in no way disrespecting my country or my flag,” he continued.
The 26-year-old athlete tweeted about Trump’s complete disregard for inequality prior to the game.
He also hinted that athletes from other sports with take a stand by taking a knee.
With the MLB now showing resistance, it’s only a matter of time before other leagues join in.