Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett raise fists after national anthem

On the 15th anniversary of Sept. 11, Patriots players Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett raised their fists after the national anthem. 

The actions of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick have given inspiration to many of his peers. Since beginning his protest of the national anthem, teammate Eric Reid and Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall have been among those to join him in his cause. During Sunday Night Football, Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett gave black power fists after the national anthem.

This reminds a lot of people of the incident at the 1968 Olympics. Track and field athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos both raised a fist during the national anthem after finishing first and third in the 100 meter dash. That duo wound up facing a lot of criticism and at first were ostracized from society following their actions.

Bennett is certainly not one who is shy to voice his opinion. He is quite vocal, as his most recent interview in ESPN The Magazine shows. He spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears before signing with the Patriots this offseason. It should be interesting to see if head coach Bill Belichick will address Bennett’s actions. Bennett will likely address it, considering how outgoing and talkative he is.

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McCourty is usually not one who is outspoken. However, he is highly respected among NFL players. Perhaps his involvement will encourage even more athletes to join Kaepernick’s cause. Kaepernick and his fellow athletes are protesting against systemic racism and police brutality. Both are worthwhile causes and deserve to be in the national conversation.

Doing so during the 15th anniversary of Sept. 11 is a bold decision. However, their message is being heard loud and clear. So perhaps the protests are starting to work.