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Maxwell informed Athletics of plan, will continue kneeling during anthem

Neville E. Guard / USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics weren't caught off guard by rookie backstop Bruce Maxwell's decision to drop to a knee during "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Saturday.

After the Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 1-0, manager Bob Melvin revealed to reporters that the catcher had spoken to the team before the game and made the club aware of his plans, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. Maxwell also took questions from his teammates, and everyone was comfortable with his decision.

Melvin added that Maxwell's act "wasn't an emotional thing. It was something that had been building," according to Slusser.

The rookie catcher also admitted he intends to continue kneeling, though he means no disrespect to the flag or the military with his actions.

As Maxwell knelt during the anthem, the Athletics simultaneously issued a release on Twitter stating they support their players' constitutional rights and freedom of expression. Teammate Mark Canha, who could be seen with his hand on Maxwell's shoulder in a show of support, also shared a long hug with the catcher after the anthem.

The 26-year-old rookie became the first MLB player to kneel during the anthem, a form of silent protest made increasingly popular by some NFL stars of late. During a rally in Alabama on Friday, however, President Donald Trump publicly criticized those who dropped to a knee during "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games and called on NFL owners to fire such players.

Related - Trump rips anthem protesters: 'Get that son of a b---- off the field'

Following the display, Maxwell's agent Matt Sosnick came to the defense of his client - who was born on a United States military base in Germany - stating that his patriotism is "indisputable" and that Maxwell was simply taking a stand for racial injustice in the U.S. after being disappointed with President Trump's comments.

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