Following an example set by the San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe made her opinions known by protesting during the national anthem.
The U.S. Women’s National Team star took a knee during the anthem during Sunday’s clash between the Seattle Reign and Chicago Red Stars. Rapinoe’s actions come following Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during the song as a protest of racial injustice and oppression. Several other players have since joined the quarterback in protesting the anthem, and the movement has made its way to soccer via Rapinoe.
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“I am disgusted with the way he has been treated and the fans and hatred he has received in all of this,” Rapinoe told espnW. “It is overtly racist. ‘Stay in your place, black man.’ Just didn’t feel right to me. We need a more substantive conversation around race relations and the way people of color are treated.
“We are not saying we are not one the greatest countries in world. Just need to accept that [it is] not perfect, things are broken. And quite honestly, being gay, I have stood with my hand over my heart during the national anthem and felt like I haven’t had my liberties protected, so I can absolutely sympathize with that feeling.”
The Reign midfielder says she will continue to kneel during the anthem prior to matches going forward.