D.C. was apparently not onboard with the Eagles' plan to kneel during the pregame anthem performance. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Jackson: Washington did not want to kneel with Eagles

Originally posted on DC Sports King | By King Motley | Last updated 9/17/20

The Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles linked arms at midfield for a moment of unity as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” played prior to Sunday’s Week 1 game. Yet, that was not the initial plan of the Eagles.

Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson told reporters Wednesday, Philadelphia wanted to Washington to take a knee with them right before the opening kickoff. However, Washington declined.

Malik Jackson says Eagles players wanted Washington to take a knee with them right before kickoff like Premier League did and Washington players didn’t want to do that pic.twitter.com/Wo4hxCqker
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 16, 2020

The Eagles went back then went back to their locker room as Washington went to the sideline to kneel.

“Unfortunately, we could not get the Washington Football Team on board,” Jackson said, per Chris Franklin of NJ.com. “We wanted to do what they did in the Premier League where they take a knee.”

While Washington players stood during the national anthem, Philadelphia remained in their locker room.

Jackson expressed players should be making stronger statements than holding arms to leave a more lasting impact.

“I just really hope that we could do something that people could truly say how they feel, not during the anthem because I personally feel we should stand for that, but another time. There are a lot of moving parts, and hopefully, we can get something together where we are making real statements and not holding arms.”

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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