Mookie Betts explains decision to kneel during anthem despite previous comments

Dodgers star Mookie Betts decided to kneel during the national anthem on Opening Day

On Major League Baseball’s Opening Day Thursday night, Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts made plenty of headlines after he decided to kneel during the national anthem ahead of the Giants-Dodgers showdown.

Betts made this decision to voice his displeasure on racial inequalities in the United States and to protest police brutality. Betts had previously stated a few years ago, however, that he would never kneel during the national anthem. That changed on Friday night. But, what exactly changed for the superstar outfielder?

Mookie Betts has been backed by his Dodgers teammates for kneeling during the national anthem

Betts admitted that he himself wasn’t educated on the peaceful protests and that he realized taking a knee during the national anthem has nothing to do with disrespecting the American flag or the military. Back in 2016 when he said he wouldn’t kneel, he explained his father being a former member of the Air Force played a big role in his decision.

That changed on Friday night, though, with Betts taking a knee and also receiving support from multiple teammates for his decision to do so. On the field, Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger both stood next to Betts and put their arms on his shoulder.

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While some people have called out Betts for his protest, it hasn’t impacted the Dodgers one bit. Los Angeles is off to a strong 2-0 start, highlighted by a dominant 9-1 win on Friday night. In the victory, Betts went 1-for-6 with an RBI.

The right fielder has said he’s unsure if he’ll continue to kneel during the anthem throughout the season, but it’s clear he’ll have the support of the other guys in the clubhouse if he decides to do so.