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Two NFL Players Continue Protest And Take A Knee As The Season Begins

Two NFL Players Continue Protest And Take A Knee As The Season Begins

Miami Dolphins' Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson plan to protest against police brutality and racial inequality unless change is made

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

We've mainly read about and watched Colin Kaepernick as he protested against police brutality and racial inequality back in 2016, before becoming the face of Nike's 'Just Do It' Campaign.

And as the NFL season season begun, people continued to protest by kneeling during the national anthem.

Two of the campaigners were Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson who knelt during Miami's season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

According to Miami Herald, the pair have said they plan to do protest throughout the season unless change is made.

TMZ reported how US President, Donald Trump, took a shot at the NFL and player protests before Sunday's games, saying, "Wow, NFL first game ratings are way down over an already really bad last year comparison.

"Viewership declined 13%, the lowest in over a decade. If the players stood proudly for our Flag and Anthem, and it is all shown on broadcast, maybe ratings could come back? Otherwise worse!"

PA

The NFL is not expected to implement a new national anthem policy this year, according to ESPN.

Back in May, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that players and league personnel on the sidelines would be required to stand during the national anthem.

Under that initial policy, those who wished to do otherwise would have the option to remain in the locker room.

But NFL and the players' union still haven't said whether players will be punished this season if they choose to kneel or demonstrate during the anthem.

PA

In 2016, Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was the first to take the stance during the national anthem, as a demonstration against the treatment of black Americans by authorities.

Recently, Nike announced that Kaepernick would be the face of their 'Just Do It' campaign with spokeswoman, Sandra Carreon-John, saying: "Colin has been a Nike athlete since 2011. Colin is one of a number of athletes being featured as part of our 30th anniversary of Just Do It."

And people were outraged by Nike's decision, with some even burning their branded belongings.

One of those took to social media, ranting: "I can't believe THIS is the guy that @Nike want's to be the "FACE" of their company! Disgusting"

Another said: "I wonder what Colen Kaepernick has sacrificed for his country and people? All I've seen and heard so far is his disrespectful kneeling and childish whining. And @Nike, are we regretting now or what? lol".

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, News, NFL, Nike