Subban says he would ‘never’ kneel in protest
Protesting during the U.S. anthem before NFL games has become a divisive issue in the United States. The movement started last year with then- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand for the pregame anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the U.S.
The movement gained momentum among athletes last week when U.S. President Donald Trump tore into protesting NFL players, calling them “sons of bitches” who should be fired. More than 200 players protested in various ways during the anthem before last week’s NFL games.
On Sunday, the Stanley Cupchampion Pittsburgh Penguins announced they still intend to visit the White House. Nashville Predators defenceman P.K. Subban says he will not join athletes who kneel or otherwise protest during the U.S. national anthem.
Yahoo Sports first reported Subban’s comments, which were confirmed by the team in an email to The Canadian Press.
According to the Yahoo report, Subban said during a benefit at a comedy club in Nashville that he would “never” kneel for the StarSpangled Banner because he has too much respect for the American flag. Subban’s comments were sent to Yahoo by witnesses.
The Toronto native, one of the NHL’s most prominent and popular stars, is a black player in a predominantly white league.