Nebraska president supports players' right to kneel during anthem

Nebraska president Hank Bounds offered his support for Cornhuskers players who kneeled during the national anthem Saturday in a statement Wednesday.

"College campuses, as much as any space, must be places where robust, even uncomfortable, debate is welcomed and encouraged," Bounds said. "I want every student, faculty, and staff member to know that I am unwavering in my support of your right to participate in these dialogues."

Linebackers Michael Rose-Ivey and Mohamed Barry, and defensive end DaiShon Neal, faced criticism for their actions from a member of Nebraska's Board of Regents, as well as Gov. Pete Ricketts.

"I have served in the military," Bounds said. "I understand love of country and love of the flag and I know that freedom is not free. I recognize that some are upset by what they saw on Saturday night. But let me be clear. The University of Nebraska will not restrict the First Amendment rights of any student or employee."

Rose-Ivey and Ricketts have since agreed to meet about the issue after a Twitter exchange.