The Revolution will be Televised: More than Football

As U.S. Soccers Midfielder Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the Star Spangled Banner, she claimed it was a ‘nod to Kaepernick’. Thus, showcasing the support Kaepernick is getting from athletes all around America.

Rapine shared her views with ESPNS Julie Foudy stating, “I am disgusted with the way he has been treated and the fans and hatred he has received in all of this,” Thus, understanding the way African-American men are treated saying, “It is overtly racist: ‘Stay in your place, black man.’ Just didn’t feel right to me. We need a more substantive conversation around race relations and the way people of color are treated.”

Yet, as Kaepernicks protest not everyone in women's soccer agreed with her actions, thus leading to the rescheduled national anthem that took place when Rapinoe’s Seattle Reign took on the Washington Spirit. The Spirit decided that in order to prevent her from protesting the national anthem would be played when both teams were in their locker rooms. This alone was a sign of disrespect to not only Rapinoe but to other players as well.

The Spirit released an emailed statement, “We respectfully disagree with her method of hijacking our organization’s event to draw attention to what is ultimately a personal — albeit worthy — cause,”

This alone showcased the clash between team owners and the players they have on pay roll, a battle that’ll continue to take place in the sports world.