Timeline

Colin Kaepernick remains seated during the national anthem at the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason game against the Houston Texans.  This is not reported as Kaepernick did not suit up for the game. Twitter.com/MikeGarafolo, Heavy.com.

Jennifer Lee Chan of Sports Blog Nation’s San Francisco 49ers site, Niners Nation, tweets out a photo which depicts Kaepernick sitting during the national anthem.  The photo itself was unrelated to Kaepernick’s protest. Twitter.com/jenniferleechan.

Steve Wyche conducts the first interview of Kaepernick regarding the national anthem protests.  In this interview, Kaepernick reveals that the basis for his decision to remain seated during the national anthem is racism against Blacks and people of color in America. NFL.com.

The NFL issues statement regarding its policy that players are encouraged, but not obligated, to stand for the national anthem. NFL.com, Profootballtalk.com

Current and former athletes from across sports leagues begin commenting on the national anthem protests against racism.  A sample of early critical comments include those from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (ESPN.com), Minnesota Vikings guard Alex Boone (ESPN.com), and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer(mercurynews.com). A sample of early supportive comments include former National Basketball Association center Kareem Abdul Jabbar (washingtonpost.com), former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe (theroot.com), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin.(sacbee.com).

Nationwide reporting begins regarding the Star Spangled Banner’s third stanza which contains lyrics that refer to the killing of slaves, and is widely considered racist. Theintercept.com, Theundefeated, CNN.com

A report details interviews with seven NFL executives who made statements reflecting a hatred of Kaepernick, stating that Kaepernick is a traitor and the most despised player amongst NFL executives.  These executives further stated that they did not want him on their football teams, a sentiment they say is shared by 90-95% of front offices. Bleacherreport.com.

San Francisco 49er safety Eric Reid and Seattle Seahawk cornerback Jeremy Lane become the first NFL players* to join Kaepernick and the national anthem protests against racism. NFL.com.

The Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association, the principal police organization which provides security officers on a volunteer basis for San Francisco 49ers football games, issues a letter stating that its members may cease working the games.  The association cited Kaepernick’s comments on police brutality and the San Francisco 49ers’ failure to discipline Kaepernick for said comments as catalysts for the association’s threatened boycott. NBCbayarea.com.

Santa Clara Police Chief issues statement encouraging the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association members to reconsider its proposed security boycott of San Francisco 49ers games. Santaclaraca.gov.

President Barack Obama provides supportive words regarding Kaepernick’s right not to stand for the national anthem, noting that Kaepernick is part of a legacy of athletes who have exercised their constitutional right to make a statement. Profootballtalk.com.

Keyanna Morrow, Jade Berry, and Roytihala Brown, students and volleyball team members at West Virginia University’s Institute of Technology, become the first reported college students* to participate in the national anthem protests against racism. Wsaz.com. 

After Miami Dolphins players Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins, Kenny Stills, and Michael Thomas kneel during the national anthem earlier in the day, the Miami Dolphins issue a statement that while players are encouraged to stand for the national anthem, the organization respects the right of its players to reflect on the national anthem in the manner they see fit. Miamidolphins.com.

Report that the Diocese of Camden, which controls several private Catholic high schools in south New Jersey, issued a letter dated September 2, 2016 which directs that failure by any sports team player or coach to “show respect during. . .the playing or singing of the National Anthem” will result in a two game suspension for the first offense, and dismissal from the team for subsequent offenses. Philly.com.

Missouri state senator Jamilah Nasheed becomes the first legislator to participate in the national anthem protests against racism, via inspiration, when she remained seated during the pledge of allegiance during a state senate session. Theroot.com.

United States Soccer issues an official statement discouraging national anthem protests, stating “we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the national anthem is played.”  The statement is issued in response to Megan Rapinoe’s national anthem protests. ESPN.com.

Belmont University reports that it has expelled one of its students, Justin Woodard, after he directed a death threat and racial epithets towards three Philadelphia Eagle football players who raised their fists during the national anthem.  Woodard is the first student expelled for threats against individuals participating in national anthem protests against racism. Fusion.net.

Time magazine announces that Colin Kaepernick will be featured on the cover of its October 3 issue.  This issue will feature several articles centered on the national anthem protests against racism. SBnation.com.

Nationwide reporting begins asserting that the national anthem protests against racism have negatively affected NFL television ratings. Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com, Hotair.com.

The Professional Bull Riders organization issues an official statement noting that all of its riders have pledged to stand during the national anthem. PBR.com.

United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg calls the act of not standing during the national anthem “dumb and disrespectful” during an interview for Yahoo News. Yahoo.com.

Frank Dolan, a member of the Richmond County School Board, recommends suspension from the team, squad, or band of any student athlete, cheerleader, or band member who does not stand for the national anthem. Chronicle.augusta.com.

Justice Ginsburg releases statement saying that her earlier comments on not standing for the national anthem were “inappropriately dismissive and harsh,” and that she “should have declined to respond.” ESPN.com.

Following comments by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay which were critical of national anthem protests against racism, Terricka Cromartie, wife of Antonio Cromartie, contends that the Colts released her husband Antonio Cromartie because of his national anthem protests.  This is the first report of an NFL player being released as a direct result of a national anthem protest.  The Indianapolis Colts deny that the national anthem protests affected its October 4, 2016 decision to release Antonio Cromartie. ESPN.com.

Shortly before the scheduled performance time, the Philadelphia 76ers informs contracted singer Sevyn Streeter that she will not be allowed to perform the national anthem because she was wearing a “We Matter” shirt.  The team issues a statement saying that its games are meant to “bring people together.” ESPN.com.

Following the national anthem protest against racism on the same evening by Jordan Danberry, Tatiyana Smith, Kiara Williams, Jailyn Mason, Yasmeen Ratliff, and Briunna Freeman of the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team, several Arkansas state government officials, including Representative Laurie Rushing, Senator Jason Rapert, and Senator Jim Hendren, make disparaging remarks about the students and school officials.  For example, Senator Linda Collins-Smith tweeted “[d]isrespectful. Ungrateful. Where is the coach, where is crowd, donors and city? Enough! Speak up people. #MakeAmericaGreatAgain.” Arktimes.com.

Alan Clark, an Arkansas state senator, announces that he has taken steps to facilitate a  hold on the University of Arkansas’s budget based upon the students’ November 3, 2016 national anthem protest.  Clark’s tweet stated “[h]old placed on UA’s budget and amendment being prepared to remove equal funding as women’s basketball budget. UA’s leadership out of touch.”  Nwahomepage.com. 

A local Las Vegas news station reports that Dylan Bruton, a student and football player at Bishop Gorman High School, a private catholic high school, was suspended for remaining seated during the national anthem at a Veteran’s Day assembly.  Dylan Bruton is the first student suspended for participating in a national anthem protest against racism. KTNV.com.

Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., commander of the Department of Defense’s pacific region geographic combatant command, United States Pacific Command, disparages those engaged in national anthem protests when he states during an official ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor that the men and women who died on that day “never took a knee and never failed to stand whenever they heard our national anthem being played.”  Theundefeated.com.

In response to Megan Rapinoe’s 2016 national anthem protests against racism, U.S. Soccer unveiled its new policy adopted on February 9, 2017 which requires that “[a]ll persons representing a Federation national team shall stand respectfully during the playing of national anthems at any event in which the Federation is represented.” Ftw.usatoday.com.

Report that Kaepernick memorabilia worn during protests, such as his jersey and shoes, will be displayed by the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in honor of his national anthem protests. USAtoday.com.

Congressman Cedric Richmond, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, stated during a Thirty-Mile Zone (TMZ) interview that Kaepernick’s status as a free agent was unfair, noting that Kaepernick was far more talented than many current NFL backup quarterbacks. Richmond further stated that Kaepernick should not be punished for taking a principled stand and exercising his rights. TMZ.com.

At a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Marshawn Lynch of the Oakland Raiders remained seated during the national anthem, signaling the first such instance of the 2017 season.  While it is not clear what Marshawn’s motive was for remaining seated, it is reasonable to assume an anti-racism basis given a previous pro-Black statement. SI.com, Twitter.com/Sportscenter.  Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks, who also remained seated on the following day, was unequivocal that his decision was motivated by injustice and inequality in America. NFL.com.

During a rally in Alabama, Donald Trump asserted that NFL owners should fire players who protest during the national anthem, stating “[w]ouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired! He’s fired.'” Several players were not pleased with the President’s comments, and hinted at the likelihood of even more protests. Huffingtonpost.com, SI.com.

Following the backlash of his comments on Friday, 22 September 2017, Donald Trump doubled down on his admonition of NFL players protesters, tweeting “[I]f a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or other leagues,” “he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!” Yahoo.com.

The NFLPA issues a lengthy statement in response to POTUS’s comments. Both NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and President Eric Winston provide comments. Excerpts include Smith stating “[n]o man or woman should ever have to choose a job that forces them to surrender their rights.  No worker nor any athlete, professional or not, should be forced to become less than human when it comes to protecting their basic health and safety;” and Winston stating “[d]ivisiveness breeds divisiveness, but NFL players have proven to unify people in our country’s toughest moments and we will continue to do so now.” NFLPA.com

Tennessee state lawmakers made varying remarks over the next few days regarding the protests.  While some like Representative Raumesh Akbari encouraged kneeling during the anthem, Representatives Martin Daniel and Paul Bailey expressed disapproval, threatening to cease watching or attending games if Titan players protested. Tennessean.com.

As players throughout the nation engage in anthem protests against racism, POTUS continues his running commentary, including audience reactions and providing his thoughts on the inappropriateness of the protests. Tampabay.com

POTUS responds to accusations that his criticisms of players has nothing to do with race, but instead is based upon his belief that they are disrespecting the country and the American flag. POTUS went on to praise NASCAR and its supporters for standing during the national anthem; tweet a photo of Army Ranger and former NFL player Pat Tillman with hashtags encouraging standing for the anthem; and respond to reports that White House Chief of Staff General (Ret) John Kelly did not support his national anthem stance. USAToday.com, NYMag.com, NPR.org.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) utilized a special congressional procedural to register her objections to POTUS’s anthem protest condemnations and to defend the First Amendment. Lee stated “I kneel in front of the flag and on this floor, I kneel in honor of the First Amendment, I kneel because the flag is a symbol for freedom, I kneel because I am going to stand against racism, I kneel because I will stand with those young men and I’ll stand with our soldiers and I’ll stand with America because I kneel.” YouTube.com, Huffingtonpost.com.

Republican lawmakers angered by NFL players’ protests during the national anthem suggest that tax incentives provided to NFL teams at the state and federal level should be eliminated; lawmakers assert that taxpayers should not subsidize teams and their stadiums if players are allowed to protest. Washingtonpost.com.

Congressman Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) takes a knee on the House floor in solidarity with  NFL players’ protest against racial inequality and injustice.  Pocan went on to note that he found the act of taking a knee to be itself a sign of patriotism and respect for the country. Washingtonexaminer.com.

After several New Orleans Saints remained seated during the national anthem on Sunday September 24, 2017, Governor John Bel Edwards stated that though the players had a constitutional right to engage in the protests, they were not the “right thing to do.” He also stated that there were others ways for players to address their concerns forming the basis of their protest. His lieutenant governor, Billy Nungesser, decided to boycott the Saints; the state attorney general, Jeff Landry, and other legislators expressed outrage at the protests and recommended reviewing tax subsidies afforded the Saints. Theadvocate.com.

While speaking to reporters at the White House, POTUS responds to questions regarding the NFL protests and states that the NFL’s business model will go to hell unless it enacts a rule prohibiting protests during the national anthem. Washingtontimes.com. 

During an interview for morning show Fox & Friends, POTUS spoke about a number of issues, including the NFL protests.  POTUS reiterated his belief that the protests disrespect the flag, national anthem, and servicemembers; but he added his assessment that some NFL owners, to whom he said he’d spoken, are afraid of their players. POTUS stated that the owners needed to be tough, highlighting that the NFL has several rules to which mandatory standing for the national anthem should be added. USAToday.com.

After stopping to speak with reporters on White House grounds, POTUS states that he is happy players on the teams that had played in the previous night’s NFL game–the Greenbay Packers and the Chicago Bears–stood for the anthem. POTUS mentioned that he’d spoken with NFL owners, and noted that his objective of having players stand is “coming together.” MSN.com.

As the start of the NBA season looms near, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum sent a memorandum to all NBA owners, presidents, and managers reminding teams of the NBA’s decades long rule requiring players to stand for the national anthem.  The memo encouraged discussions with players to hear their thoughts on the topic, and provided suggestions for ways for teams to foster unity by engaging with their fans and communities. The memo also indicated that the league office will decide how to handle an instance where a player, trainer, etc. does not stand for the anthem. Washingtonpost.com.

Several NFL players remain seated, kneel, or raise fists during the national anthem.  Additionally, while far fewer players engaged in protest as compared to the previous week, there were more protests today than there had been prior to POTUS’s September 22, 2017 controversial remarks. NYTimes.com.

J.T. Brown of the Tampa Bay Lightning becomes the first professional hockey player to demonstrate during the national anthem in protest of racial inequality. J.T. raised his fist during before the Lightning’s game against the Florida Panthers. SI.com.

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, declares that he would bench players who do not stand for the national anthem.  Jones states that not standing for the flag angered many Cowboy fans, and was disrespectful to the flag and the anthem.  He was motivated to speak publicly about his stance because of the Vice President’s decision to leave a game, Jones noted that it was POTUS who directed him to the NFL Operations Manual that notes that players should stand for the anthem.  The manual does not make standing mandatory. CBSsports.com.

POTUS congratulates Jerry Jones on his tough, and much criticized, national anthem protest declaration.  POTUS summarized the Cowboys owner’s stance as “[s]tand for the Anthem or sit for the game.” Sportingnews.com.