Ravens, Jags kneel, lock arms during national anthem
WEMBLEY, England (KTRK) -- Over a dozen Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars players knelt during the U.S. national anthem before Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium.
The Ravens have never had players protest previously, but Sunday morning seven players took a knee. These players are linebackers Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley and Za'Darius Smith, wide receiver Mike Wallace, safety Tony Jefferson, and defensive backs Anthony Levine and Lardarius Webb.
Many of the Jaguars held hands along the sideline, and about 10 took a knee including cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, defensive ends Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue, defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson, and running back Leonard Fournette.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh and Jaguars coach Doug Marrone and owner Shad Kahn stood with the players locking arms during the anthem.
It is believed to be a protest to President Donald Trump's recent comments on protests during the anthem.
Trump on Friday night criticized NFL players who lodge protests during the national anthem.
Speaking at a political rally in Alabama, Trump said, "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a (explicit) off the field right now. Out. He's fired! He's fired!"
He has since tweeted several times on the issue.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti released a statement: "We recognize our players' influence. We respect their demonstration and support them 100 percent. All voices need to be heard. That's democracy in its highest form."
The kneeling players stood for the singing of the U.K. national anthem.
