Soccer star Megan Rapinoe blocked in bid for second national anthem protest – CBS News

BOYDS, Md. — The Washington Spirit prevented Seattle
midfielder Megan Rapinoe from kneeling during the national anthem by altering
its pregame ceremonies rather than “subject our fans and friends to the
disrespect we feel such an act would represent.”

The National Women’s Soccer League team moved up the anthem,
playing it while the teams were off the field at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

“We decided to play the anthem in our stadium ahead of
schedule rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel
such an act would represent,” the Spirit said in a statement. “We
understand this may be seen as an extraordinary step, but believe it was the
best option to avoid taking focus away from the game on such an important night
for our franchise.”

On Sunday before the Reign’s match in Chicago, Rapinoe knelt
during the anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick​ — the San Francisco
quarterback who has refused to stand during the anthem to protest racial
injustice and minority oppression. She said at the time she planned to continue
to kneel.

“To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition
that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans for any
cause would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves,”
the Spirit said in the statement.

The Spirit said team owner Bill Lynch is a veteran who has
lost friends in overseas conflicts, as had his close friends.

“The tradition of honoring our military and our
patriotism before our games is very important to us,” the statement said.
“We strongly feel that there are better ways to begin a conversation about
a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is so important to so many.”

Earlier Wednesday, the Reign said they are standing by
Rapinoe. In a statement, the team said it recognizes Rapinoe’s action “was
offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.”

“We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to
participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and
made sacrifices on our behalf,” the Reign said. “We will also
continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner
consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights
earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.”

Kaepernick drew attention when he remained seated on the
bench before a preseason game against Green Bay. Last Thursday night in San
Diego, he and safety Eric Reid knelt during the anthem before a game against
the Chargers.

President Obama on Monday defended Kaepernick, saying the athlete is “exercising his constitutional right.”

“I don’t doubt his sincerity,” Mr. Obama said of Kaepernick.

The president added that Kaepernick “cares about some real, legitimate issues” and that the whole situation has put more attention on “issues that need to be talked about.”

On Sunday night, Rapinoe kneeled during the anthem prior to
the match against the Chicago Red Stars, in what she called “a little nod’
to Kaepernick.

“I think it’s actually pretty disgusting the way he was
treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about
something that it absolutely isn’t. We need to have a more thoughtful,
two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country,” Rapinoe told
the website American Soccer Now afterward.

She went on to say: “Being a gay American, I know what
it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It
was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in
the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it.”

The 31-year-old Rapinoe, who has played for Seattle since
2013, has been with the U.S. national team since 2006 and has played in two
Women’s World Cups and two Olympics.

She injured her knee last December during training and
required surgery, but was able to come back and play in the Rio Games. The
United States, which had won three straight gold medals in the sport, was
eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden.

Since coming out in 2012, Rapinoe has been devoted advocate
for LGBT rights and has worked with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education
Network (GLSEN) and other organizations.

Rapinoe also has been vocal about pay equity, and was among
five national team players who lent their names to a complaint filed with the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging wage discrimination. The
players claim that members of the team make in some cases up to four times less
than their male national team counterparts.