The players on the Seattle Seahawks are discussing whether they will stand for the national anthem this Sunday in the wake of backup San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to do so, the Seattle Times reported Wednesday.
Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin and linebacker Bobby Wagner are leading the possible move on the team, Bleacher Report said Thursday.
Per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Baldwin said prior to the team’s practice Wednesday he has "considered" sitting or taking a knee when the national anthem plays prior to their game Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, adding that he wants to "get all of my ducks in a row before I do so."
Linebacker Bobby Wagner noted that if any protest occurs, the entire Seahawks team would be taking part in it.
"It’s going to be a team thing," Wagner said. "That’s what the world needs to see. The world needs to see people coming together versus being individuals."
Wagner did not provide specifics about the Seahawks’ potential plan, only saying that "whatever we decide to do will be a big surprise."
Baldwin backed up Wagner’s claim, noting the locker room has talked about it.
Since Kaepernick began his refusal to stand during the National Anthem last month, he has drawn much controversy from around the country, although his jersey sales have risen significantly in recent weeks, despite being a backup.
Kaepernick has said that his refusal to stand is a protest of police treatment toward African Americans. He has either sat on the bench or taken a knee during the anthem.