U.S. Soccer president apologizes for policy on anthem protests
As the sports world continues to mourn the killing of George Floyd and partake in protests and other demonstrations over police violence and racial injustices, many have been forced to rethink previous stances regarding athletes kneeling during playings of the national anthem.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees offered multiple apologies after he spoke out against teammates and other NFL players kneeling. Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella, who once threatened to bench Team USA players if they didn't stand for the anthem, has said he's now open to such protests.
The United States Soccer Federation recently eliminated a rule that allowed it to ban any players who didn't stand during the Star-Spangled Banner. USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone spoke about this decision with ESPN:
"We missed the point completely -- it was never about the flag," Parlow Cone said. "It was and is about fighting police brutality and the racial injustices in our society."
U.S. Women's National Team star Megan Rapinoe had previously borrowed the form of protest made popular by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016. It's not known if Rapinoe will kneel ahead of future national team matches.
"While I personally choose to continue to stand for the national anthem and use my voice in other ways, I feel others have the right to kneel," Parlow Cone explained.
"I personally apologized to [Rapinoe] for putting this policy into place."
Earlier this week, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach suggested athletes may not face punishment for such demonstrations and forms of peaceful protest at the Summer Olympics that were postponed to 2021 because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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