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NBC will televise anthem during Patriots-Chiefs

Michael Madrid / USA TODAY Sports

Amid a contentious political climate where numerous players are protesting racial inequality and police brutality, NBC will air the national anthem before the season opener between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.

Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem throughout the 2016 season, gaining support from Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and a pocket of select players throughout the league. Kaepernick remains unsigned, but during President Donald Trump's first year in office, protests during the anthem are rapidly gaining traction.

"As in the past, we will televise the national anthem for select games, including the NFL Kickoff game and the Super Bowl, and, like last year, will cover activity around the anthem as news merits," NBC Sports spokesman Dan Masonson said to Michael McCarthy of Sporting News.

The recent white nationalist riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, prompted several players to get involved in protests, and it appears that this won't be a temporary measure during the 2017 NFL season.

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