In what seems to be related to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin announced via Twitter on Thursday that the Seahawks will conduct a "pregame demonstration" before Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins.
Baldwin didn't provide many details but said the demonstration will "express a desire to bring people together" while also honoring the United States and the American flag on what will be the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
To express a desire to bring people together, our team will honor the country and flag in a pregame demonstration of unity.
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 8, 2016
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll retweeted Baldwin's tweet.
Former NFL player and United States Army Green Beret Nate Boyer, who has expressed support for Kaepernick, tweeted the following:
Talked to the @Seahawks What the team will do is a powerful sign of unification + respect for the Anthem + those that fight for our Freedom!
— Nate Boyer (@NateBoyer37) September 8, 2016
Kaepernick began a media firestorm by sitting during the national anthem played before a preseason game two weeks ago and announcing he would continue to sit until race relations in the U.S. improve.
One of Kaepernick's teammates, safety Eric Reid, along with Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane, joined Kaepernick by taking a knee during the anthem last week.
Kaepernick's actions have had a ripple effect throughout sports in the United States. Pro soccer player and USWNT member Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the anthem Sunday to show solidarity with Kaepernick, but she was denied that opportunity Wednesday.
On Tuesday, World Cup of Hockey Team USA coach John Tortorella announced any member of his team who decided to sit during the anthem would remain seated the entire game.
Baldwin has used Twitter several times throughout the past week to articulate his thoughts on the controversy.
I am. I overestimated people’s ability to overcome their emotional response and think logically. We will prevail tho https://t.co/o19pzeYnjF
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 8, 2016
@grownupright So then you don’t want me to exercise that right? Did vets fight for the flag or for our freedom and rights?
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 8, 2016
“How DARE he challenge what the flag means to me. I am the ONLY authority on this matter and defying me is unacceptable.” -Angry American
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 2, 2016
My last comment for today:
If you are offended by a peaceful protest regarding Justice and the treatment of others, isn’t that the point? ?
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 2, 2016
