MLB
Athletics rookie Bruce Maxwell become the first MLB player to join the recent protests started by Colin Kaepernick for racial injustice by kneeling during the National Anthem before last night’s A’s match up against the Texas Rangers.
Maxwell’s father was a career army officer for the United States. The rookie faced the American flag and put his head over heart during the National Anthem.
He has taken a stand by sharing a caption on his Instagram account and made a tweet Saturday afternoon. He tweet, “This now has gone from just a BlackLives Matter topic to just complete inequality of any man or woman that wants to stand for Their rights!”
He did not start or play in Saturday’s game but it has nothing to do with him kneeling and instead for concussion protocol. The Athletics issued a statement on the matter. They said, “”The Oakland A’s pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all our players’ constitutional rights and freedom of expression.”
Although his teammates did not join in, he did have the support from them.
“I respect his decision, he’s just exercising his rights as an American,” A’s slugger and outfielder Khris Davis said.
Future
This won’t be the start and the finish of kneeling protest in baseball. Maxwell opened the door for others to join in and not feel uncomfortable and out of place. Expect to see more teammates and teams to make this move.
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