Report: U.S. Soccer won't punish Rapinoe for kneeling during anthem

Megan Rapinoe, the women's national team player who took a knee during the playing of the anthem Thursday, won't receive punishment from U.S. Soccer, according to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl.

After showing solidarity with quarterback Colin Kaepernick in NSWL matches with the Seattle Reign, Rapinoe took her protest to a national level by kneeing before a U.S. friendly against Thailand in Columbus.

Related - Watch: Rapinoe kneels during U.S. anthem on international duty

It brought about a stern statement from the governing body, which outlined a clear "expectation" that players and coaches remain standing during "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Rapinoe was not a starter for the exhibition match - an eventual 9-0 win that also honoured the retirement of three-time gold medalist Heather O'Reilly.

Kaepernick ignited a national conversation when he sat on the bench as the anthem played before a San Francisco 49ers preseason game.

The method of protest has spurred controversy. It is meant as a demonstration of anger at the ways in which black Americans are targeted by police.