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Lloyd: Rapinoe kneeling is a distraction, but I support her

Reuters

United States women's national team star Carli Lloyd says she supports Megan Rapinoe's decision to kneel during the American national anthem, but claims the midfielder's actions have been a distraction for the team.

Rapinoe, in solidarity with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, has knelt during both NWSL and U.S. matches in protest of police brutality and discrimination against black Americans.

After first taking a knee during a club match, Rapinoe continued the practice with the USWNT earlier this month, signalling the first time an American athlete has openly protested against the country while wearing U.S. colors.

Related: Undeterred by criticism, Rapinoe kneels again during U.S. anthem

While Lloyd is behind her compatriot, she says the attention Rapinoe's actions have garnered have been distracting for the players.

"I've had a lot of conversations with Megan," Lloyd said. "We're both on the same page. We both respect one another. I'm not trying to diss her cause in any fashion. I think it's great. I think she's bringing conversation to the table about some tough situations that are going on in the world.

"What is a distraction is the actual action of it. People are only talking about the kneeling aspect of it. I think it becomes more of a distraction because it gets our coach involved, our support staff involved and we as a team. We as a team have dealt so many things along the way whether it's off the pitch or on the field. We can handle it. At the end of the day, we're pros."

Lloyd continued: "Whatever is going on, we need to forget about it and just play soccer. But we do want to get back to playing soccer but that's not to say Megan can't continue to pursue what she's pursuing. I love Megan. We're good friends. I've got her support and her back all the way."

Rapinoe, for her part, has said she will continue kneeling during U.S. matches, with her next opportunity coming in an Oct. 19 contest against Switzerland.

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