CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he is considering kneeling alongside his players during the national anthem this season in support of the movement against racial injustice.
“I would consider anything as we go along,” Rhule said Thursday in a video conference. “I support the cause. I support the movement. I support social justice. I believe that for each person, coach or player it will be a very personal decision. I believe that it must be taken at the right time and the right reason for all.”
The Baylor-hired first-year coach previously told his players that he will support them by voicing their views on social injustice.
“I will support my players with whatever they do, and when the time comes, I will really think deeply about what is best for me and what is the best way to show my support,” said Rhule.
In 2016, then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling down during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. His teammate Eric Reid knelt beside him and then played for the Panthers. Both players reached agreements with the NFL after filing complaints alleging that the owners were colluding to keep them out of the league.
Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien previously said he will kneel alongside his players during the national anthem.
Rhule, who, like O’Brien, is white, said he will consult with his players before making a decision on whether to kneel.
“I think a lot of this came from the players, so I will wait to see which way they are leaning and then I will make my decision,” Rhule said.
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