Nebraska anthem protesters draw ire of two regents, governor

Two university regents and the governor criticized three Nebraska football players who kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Michael Rose-Ivey, Mohamed Barry and DaiShon Neal each took a knee as the anthem played before last Saturday’s game at Northwestern.

Regents Hal Daub of Omaha and Jim Pillen of Columbus said Tuesday the three used poor judgment.

“They’re wearing a University of Nebraska uniform, and all student-athletes should be aware that their actions reflect not only on themselves but everyone else,’’ Daub said. “It wasn’t their forum to take advantage of and use as a Colin Kaepernick cloning situation. Everyone will say the First Amendment gives them the right, but they shouldn’t be able to take advantage of the captive market of the football team and the university’s reputation.’’

Daub said he has received a large number of phone calls and emails from the public and that “most of the people I talk to are disappointed and embarrassed.’’

During the team’s media availability on Monday, Rose-Ivey read a statement explaining the reasons why he, Barry and Neal joined Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback, and other professional and amateur athletes who have kneeled or otherwise protested unfair treatment of blacks in the United States.