Kapler: I kneeled to protest 'clear systemic racism' in U.S.

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler, who became the first MLB skipper to kneel during the U.S. national anthem, said he told his players and coaches before Monday's exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics that he would use his platform to denounce systemic racism.

"I wanted them to know that I wasn't pleased with the way our country has handled police brutality," Kapler said postgame, according to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. "I told them I wanted to amplify the voices of the Black community and marginalized communities as well. I told them that I wanted to use my platform to demonstrate my dissatisfaction with ... clear systemic racism in our country."

Kapler's act of solidarity came as protestors across the U.S. continue to demand accountability for police brutality and racial injustice following George Floyd's death in police custody in May.

Several Giants players, including outfielder Jaylin Davis, also kneeled. Shortstop Brandon Crawford rested his hands on the shoulders of Davis and first base coach Antoan Richardson as they kneeled:

"I'm very grateful to be a part of an organization that supports players for expressing what they believe in and I'm proud to be a Giant," Davis wrote Tuesday in a statement.

Meanwhile, former Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell, who became the first major leaguer to kneel during the anthem in 2017, said he tried not to cry when he saw members of the Giants kneeling.

"There was a lot of joy in my heart, honestly, there was a lot of relief," Maxwell said, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. "And there was a lot of emotion. Just seeing the spreading of awareness, that people are seeing the injustice of humanity in our country, and for people now standing up to it, that was so joyous for me."

He added: "If I was there, I would give Kapler a big hug, shake his hand, and tell him I'm honored to be next to him. That was a big step. For somebody in that position to put his title aside, to make himself vulnerable in that situation and stand for what is right, is big for humanity."