Solidarity on the playing field

By Staff

The Laney Eagles rushed for 323 yards in a 34–6 grinding of visiting Contra Costa College on Sept. 28. It’s the kind of showing that attracts the attention of recruiters across the region.

But before the game even began, some of Laney’s athletes drew another kind of attention, this time to national issues sparking public debate.

As pictured above (photographed by Dejon Gill), several Laney Eagles players chose not to stand during the playing of the National Anthem, an act of protest best associated with professional football player Colin Kaepernick, though other professional athletes have followed his lead, whether by sitting or kneeling.

The act is meant to signify defiance in the face of the oppression of people of color in the U.S. Many high school and collegiate athletic teams have also taken to participating, though some schools are moving to ban the action.

Laney finished the non-conference portion of its season with a 4–1 record. The Eagles had a bye week Oct. 6–7 and then start National Valley Conference play against San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton on Saturday, Oct. 14.

The Eagles’ next home game is Friday, Oct. 20, against College of the Sequoias.