Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall has now lost two endorsement deals in the wake of his decision to kneel during the national anthem, but he claims he is not fretting over it.
On Monday, CenturyLink announced in a statement that it is terminating its relationship with Marshall after signing a deal with him only a month ago.
CenturyLink's statement on dropping Brandon Marshall just 1 month after he signed an endorsement deal. pic.twitter.com/5ex7Ezoo2b
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 12, 2016
When Marshall lost his first endorsement deal last week, he said he knew the risks associated with taking up Kaepernick’s cause. He had a bit more to say on Monday after a fan pulled up outside the Broncos’ team facility and burned a shirt with Marshall’s name on it.
Protest outside of #Broncos headquarters with Brandon Marshall jersey. pic.twitter.com/R8Iw04C2ha
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 12, 2016
“People that are minorities, they don’t know what it’s like to be a minority in this country,” Marshall said, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post. “And I’m not saying it’s terrible. I love this country. We have great opportunities, but at the same time, if you’re not a minority you don’t understand. I speak for everybody when I say that, because I know they agree with me.
“I’m a likable guy. I was once a fan favorite for a reason. It’s cool, because people can call me the N-word or cuss or at me or say they wish I’d break my neck all they want. There’s no backlash from me. Hate can’t drive out hate. Only love can drive out hate.”
Marshall was teammates with Kaepernick at the University of Nevada, but he is not the only player who is standing behind the San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Another superstar running back chose to kneel during the anthem on Sunday, and he defended his decision the following day.
