Tampa Bay RW JT Brown raises fist during national anthem

Prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s game against the Florida Panthers Saturday night, Lightning right-winger J.T. Brown raised his fist in protest during the national anthem.

Tampa Bay Lightning JT Brown raising his first during the national anthem tonight. pic.twitter.com/hHMoakztKA

— Faizal Khamisa (@SNFaizalKhamisa) October 7, 2017

It is the first time this NHL season we have seen a hockey player join in the peaceful anthem protest that began with former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee. The protests — which many other players, and even some entire teams have joined in — have been a major topic of discussion this NFL season. Around 250 players have sat or knelt during the anthem thus far this season.

Brown is one of 30 black players in the NHL. He also raised his fist during the anthem in the preseason this year.

Brown previously told the Tampa Bay Times his protest was not intended to disrespect the flag or military.

“Some will tell you that’s disrespecting the military, well I wanted to hear it from someone who is serving, not some person on Twitter,” Brown said. “Some thought (kneeling) it was disrespecting, but most felt that we have a right to do it, regardless of whether they agree with you or not, or would stand next to you.”