Though the national anthem controversy continues to flame out as owners and NFL execs grow ever more wary of lost profits, some ne’er-do-wells still haven’t gotten the memo.
On Sunday, Raiders running back Marshawn Johnson kneeled during the anthem at the exhibition game against the Patriots at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
And because they were in Mexico, it was customary for the host country also to play their national anthem…during which Johnson then resumed standing.
It was no doubt a double-dip show of disrespect.
But in complete fairness, NFL players aren’t usually Mensa graduates.
So it’s entirely likely Johnson had no clue he was in another country and, hence, that a second anthem was playing.
Here’s more from the NY Post…
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sat during most of U.S. anthem and stood for the Mexican anthem before their game against the Patriots at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Lynch has not stood for the national anthem since returning from retirement this season.
There did not appear to be any other protests during the anthem as the afternoon games kicked off. Five NFL players protested during the national anthems before early games.
The Dolphins’ Kenny Stills, Julius Thomas and Michael Thomas took a knee before their game against Tampa Bay.
Giants defensive lineman Olivier Vernon took a knee, as he has done most of the season. The opposing Chiefs stood scattered on their sideline, though cornerback Marcus Peters remained in the tunnel until it was over.
