Soccer team plays U.S. national anthem early to prevent player protest

(Reuters) - The Washington Spirit women's soccer team on Wednesday played the U.S. national anthem while players were still in their locker rooms, preventing visiting star Megan Rapinoe from continuing her protest for social equality. Rapinoe knelt during "The Star Spangled Banner" before her game on Sunday in Chicago and vowed to continue to do so in support of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who did not stand for the song before his NFL team's last two pre season games to protest against racial injustice and police brutality. Many Americans saw his gesture as a sign of disrespect to the flag and criticism was widespread, but Kaepernick has also been supported by some fellow athletes.

Continue reading...