Denver Broncos release statement on Brandon Marshall kneeling during anthem

The Denver Broncos have released a statement about Brandon Marshall’s decision to kneel during the national anthem. 

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall knelt during the national anthem on Thursday Night Football. The Broncos have already released a statement on Marshall’s decision, supporting his first amendment rights.

“While we encourage members of our organization to stand during the National Anthem, we understand and respect it being a personal decision,” said the Broncos, via Pro Football Talk.

There is virtually no chance of Marshall facing punishment for his actions. If he were a borderline roster player, he might be released or punished. But seeing as how Marshall is one of their starting linebackers, that will not be the case. The Broncos can’t punish Marshall for his actions because there is no rule that says he has to. Also, the CBA does not allow teams to punish players for such actions.

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However, the Broncos are going to have to face questions about it, as will Marshall. It should be interesting to see what Marshall says about his actions. Of course, Marshall is not the first player to kneel for the national anthem. The list includes Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, and women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe. Kaepernick started it by kneeling during one of the 49ers’ first preseason games.

Reid is Kaepernick’s teammate and he joined him during the 49ers’ final preseason game. The list of athletes to support Kaepernick grows daily. It includes 2015 NBA MVP Seth Curry, Jabari Parker, and the Seattle Seahawks.

Kaepernick and Marshall are protesting systemic racism against African-Americans. Specifically, they are protesting against police brutality. Whether you stand with them or not, the issues that they are bringing to light are very important and must be solved by both sides.