Seahawks' Lane explains decision to join anthem protest
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane chose to remain seated during the national anthem ahead of Thursday's preseason game, as a sign of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
While he has no personal relationship with Kaepernick, Lane explained after the game that he supports the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, and his protest against the oppression of people of color in America.
"I wasn't trying to say anything, just standing behind Kaepernick," Lane said in a video posted by Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune.
"I just like what he's doing. I just like that I can stand behind him. It's something I plan to keep on doing until I feel like justice is being served."
Lane said he thought about the protest for about a week, and didn't give prior notice that he would sit for the "The Star-Spangled Banner."
With the move, Lane thrust himself into the national discussion, but said he's not concerned with the anticipated criticism.
"I am prepared for it and I don't mean no disrespect to anybody but I'm just standing behind what I believe in," he said.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said after the game that his team has been "working at" the topic and will continue to communicate with one another on the subject.
"This is a very interesting issue that we're dealing with right now," Carroll said, according to Tony Drovetto of Seahawks.com. "That was an individual thing, but I'm really proud of the progress we're making in the conversation and I look forward to continuing it with our guys."
Teammate Richard Sherman said he suspected ahead of time that Lane would join the protest.
"Any time you stand up against the flag, it's going to be perceived something. Obviously, Jeremy doesn't stand against those who sacrifice for this country, or anything like that. He obviously understands the guys who have made the greatest sacrifice for our country and freedom, but he also understands the oppression that our country has put African Americans and minorities through for years, so yeah I think that is something that they are trying to get recognized, and looking for people to make a change to."