Dodgers star Mookie Betts explains decision to kneel during national anthem

Mookie Betts' debut in Los Angeles is one he'll never forget, and while he once said he'd never kneel during the national anthem, that all changed on Thursday night when he decided to take a knee. 

The outfielder was the only Los Angeles Dodgers player to remain kneeling during the anthem, making a powerful statement ahead of the first pitch. 

Betts' presentation came nearly four years after he said he would always stand during the national anthem out of respect for his father who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. After L.A.'s 8-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants, Betts explained his decision to kneel in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"I wasn't educated," Betts said of his change in perspective, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "That's my fault. I need to be educated on the situation. I know my dad served and I'll never disrespect the flag, but there's also gotta be change in the world, and kneeling has nothing to do with those who served our country."

Betts, though, isn't certain he'll continue to kneel during the national anthem, he told Gonzalez. However, he did acknowledge the importance of taking action and using his status in the fight against systemic racism. 

"I think kneeling is definitely something that shows we need change, but also I have to put some action into play as far as away from MLB," Betts said. "That's my primary goal. Today was just to unify both sides and just to show that we are here for change."

The former American League MVP garnered some mighty praise on social media for his actions, including from Jack Flaherty, Touki Toussaint, Delino DeShields and Luis Urias, who retweeted various images of Betts kneeling. 

The 27-year-old went 1-for-5 on the night, scoring a run and helping ignite the Dodgers seventh-inning breakout. He'll be back in action Friday night when the Dodgers take on the Giants once again.