CenturyLink Won't Drop Broncos' Emmanuel Sanders For Not Standing During Anthem

CenturyLink, which last season "ended its sponsorship agreement" with Broncos LB Brandon Marshall because of his protests during the national anthem, will "not terminate its agreement" with Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders for similar conduct, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the DENVER POST. Sanders was "one of 32 Broncos players who knelt during the national anthem" Sunday before their game against the Bills. CenturyLink in a statement said, "Our understanding is that the decision to kneel was a team decision, rather than an individual decision. We spoke with Emmanuel and expressed our concern regarding not standing during the national anthem." Jhabvala notes Air Academy Federal Credit Union also "dropped Marshall after his first game of protesting last year." Marshall was the "only Broncos player to take a knee during the anthem last season and he did so for seven games" (DENVER POST, 9/27).