Among those to support Colin Kaepernick in his protest of the national anthem has been U.S. Women’s National Team member Megan Rapinoe, who also plays in the National Women’s Soccer League for Seattle Reign FC.
Rapinoe knelt during the playing of the anthem over the weekend prior to the game between Seattle and the Chicago Red Stars, calling it “a nod to Kaepernick.” Rapinoe also indicated she planned to do it going forward. On Wednesday, she didn’t get that chance.
The Spirit released a statement saying the organization decided to play the national anthem ahead of schedule as to not give Rapinoe a chance to “hijack our organization’s event to draw attention to what is ultimately a personal – albeit worthy – cause.”
Washington Spirit prevents Megan Rapinoe taking a knee during national anthem by playing anthem ahead of schedule. pic.twitter.com/Oc54ljhFe1
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) September 8, 2016
The anthem was played while both teams were still in their respective locker rooms.
Not surprisingly, the decision received its share of criticism on social media. Here are a few tweets directed at the organization.
Wow. The utter cowardice of Washington Spirit Soccer to move the anthem just to avoid someone's personal protest. Shame on you, @WashSpirit.
— Truth Tellah (@tellahtruth) September 8, 2016
Nice job @WashSpirit you just infringed on someone's first Amendment rights. Very Trump of you.
— Andrew Bejarano (@abejarano12) September 8, 2016
@WashSpirit really sad to see your cowardly owners take away the anthem from the players. Be better.
— wloverude (@wloverude) September 8, 2016
@WashSpirit @mPinoe Megan Rapinoe sadly I think your team just laid down the gauntlet. How dare they silence your patriotic protest.
— ♡ Malcolm Jackson (@malcolmjackson) September 8, 2016
Disgusting that @WashSpirit would force the NA w/ players inside so that @mPinoe couldn't protest. You just silenced someone's free right!?
— Merrick Cipriani (@MerrickCip) September 8, 2016
While Rapinoe was denied the opportunity to once again make her statement on Wednesday, she will have another chance next week if she is selected for the game between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Thailand in Ohio.
