Seahawks DE Michael Bennett again "sat during the national anthem prior to Seattle’s preseason game against the Vikings on Friday night at CenturyLink Field." But this time he was "joined at least symbolically" by C Justin Britt, who "stood next to Bennett with his right hand on Bennett’s left shoulder," and CB Jeremy Lane "standing in front of Bennett with his back to the field." As the anthem ended, DEs Cliff Avril and Frank Clark "broke from the rest of the team -- standing with arms locked on the sidelines -- to then sit by Bennett on the bench." Britt said, "It was something me and my wife talked about and discussed, and we both wanted to show support to Mike" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/19).
Meanwhile, Raiders QB Derek Carr "placed his right hand" on DE Khalil Mack's shoulder as a "show of solidarity during the national anthem" yesterday. Carr said the players were not "protesting" anything with the action. Carr: "The only reason we did that is to unify people." Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch again "remained seated" during the anthem (ESPN.com, 8/20). Titans DE Jurrell Casey and LB Wesley Woodyard "raised their fists in the air" following the national anthem before the team's game against the Panthers yesterday (ESPN.com, 8/19).
