Athletics catcher will not kneel for anthem

Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell says he no longer will kneel for the national anthem as he did last season as a rookie, when he became the first majorleaguer to do so following the lead of many NFL players. He says “the purpose of the gesture was to raise awareness about social issues affecting our country, and while I’m looking forward to a society that is inclusive, empathetic and a welcoming place, I will not continue the symbolic gesture of taking a knee during our national anthem this season.” Maxwell was arrested in Arizona in late October after a food-delivery person alleged he pointed a gun at her. The A’s plan to start him at catcher despite the off-field issues.