A's Maxwell Becomes First MLB Player To Kneel For National Anthem

A's C Bruce Maxwell yesterday became the first MLB player to "kneel during the national anthem" and "plans to continue kneeling." Maxwell "held a meeting" before the game against the Rangers to "let his teammates know about his decision," along with manager Bob Melvin and GM David Forst. The A's issued a statement on Twitter that read, "We respect and support all our players' constitutional rights and freedom of expression." MLB also issued a statement after Maxwell's decision that read, "Major League Baseball has a longstanding tradition of honoring our nation prior to the start of our games. We also respect that each of our players is an individual with his own background, perspectives and opinions" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/24).