On a topic that has been buzzed about for months, the Seattle Seahawks have decided to speak up in powerful way.
After 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem before a game, many other athletes have aligned themselves with the movement, meant to shine a light on the problems still persisting in the country, including police brutality against black people.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
President Barack Obama didn’t seem to have a problem with Kaepernick, saying, “He’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement. There is a long history of sport’s figures doing so.”
Although Obama admitted this move is one that may be hard for people in uniform to get passed, he said he doesn’t doubt Kaepernick's sincerity.
“I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that need to be talked about.”
In a move unique to the Seahawks, the team has decided to ‘stand up’ and make their own statement before their next game.
Doug Baldwin posted a video to his Facebook on Sunday, saying they’ll be linking arms during the anthem to bring people together instead of dividing them.
“Progress can and will be made, only if we stand together,” says Baldwin.
“It is good to hear about building bridges because it is only when we work together that we solve problems,” commented fan Tim Mack.
“Love it man. Thank you for using your platform. Thank you for being a role model. #Weare12 and we got you,” wrote Hannah Elizabeth Cooper.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." We live in the greatest country in the world because we have taken challenges head on. We have made the uncomfortable the norm. On one of the most memorable days in US history, we have an opportunity to unite again for a cause. To show why our country is so great. #BuildABridge
Posted by Doug Baldwin on Saturday, September 10, 2016
The Seahawks will take on the Miami Dolphins Sunday afternoon.
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