The Oakland Raiders have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, often imposing their will on opposing defensive lines and making statements with their powerful game. But on Sunday, the unit will make a different type of statement before the game even kicks off.
The Raiders are in Washington for their matchup against the Washington Redskins on Sunday Night Football and plan to address President Donald Trump’s recent statements with a silent protest of tonight’s national anthem.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that the entire team plans to sit during tonight’s anthem.
This will be powerful: #Raiders offensive line, the only all African-American unit in @NFL, plans to sit or kneel together during the anthem
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 24, 2017
This comes after President Trump addressed a crowd in Alabama calling any NFL player that protests the anthem a “son of a b****”, following it up with tweets backing up his claim.
If 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….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
…our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
Just this morning, Trump called for NFL fans to stop attending games so that the country would see change in the pregame festivities.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
…NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Trump’s comments and tweets sparked a social media frenzy from players around the league, speaking out against the President and his comments. Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele was one of them:
Back in the day when it used to mean something 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZiM27G4rvd
— Kelechi Osemele (@KOseven0) September 23, 2017
Punter Marquette King posted a picture on Instagram after Trump withdrew an invitation to NBA Champion Stephen Curry.
Don’t expect the Raiders offensive linemen to be the only ones making a statement on Sunday as it is expected that more players than usual will protest the anthem after Trump’s recent comments.