Agent calls Maxwell's patriotism 'indisputable' after he kneels for anthem

Shortly after Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell knelt for the playing of the national anthem ahead of Saturday's game, his agent, Matt Sosnick, released a statement supporting his client.

"Bruce's father is a proud military lifer. Anyone who knows Bruce or his parents is well aware that the Maxwells' love and appreciation for our country is indisputable," Sosnick told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle in a text message Saturday night.

"Bruce has made it clear that he is taking a stand about what he perceives as racial injustices in this country, and his personal disappointment with President Trump's response to a number of professional athletes' totally peaceful, non-violent protests.

"Bruce has shared with both me and his teammates that his feelings have nothing to do with a lack of patriotism or a hatred of any man, but rather everything to do with equality for men, women and children regardless of race or religion."

Maxwell was born on a United States military base in Germany, where his father, also named Bruce, was stationed at the time during his service in the U.S. Army.

Related: A's catcher Maxwell kneels for national anthem

He has shown his opposition to President Donald Trump on social media of late. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old expressed his love of country on several occasions, including during the Fourth of July weekend, when the Athletics joined all of MLB in wearing patriotic American flag-themed uniforms.