Dolphins' anthem protesters, Goodell meet with police to help foster relations
Kenny Stills, Michael Thomas, and Julius Thomas of the Miami Dolphins have been at the forefront of the debate on protests during the national anthem ahead of kickoff.
The trio has been taking a knee during the anthem as a protest of injustices in America, and when team owner Stephen Ross instructed his players to stand during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Sunday, they remained in the locker room.
On Tuesday, the three Dolphins met with the North Miami Police Department to foster relations between the two sides. They were joined by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Great morning with @MiamiDolphins @KSTiLLS @Michael31Thomas @Julius_Thomas @nflcommish @NorthMiamiPD #unity #community #change @RISEtoWIN pic.twitter.com/dC1hGUwX7L
— Jason Jenkins (@jasonljenkins) October 10, 2017
THREAD: I want to thank N. Miami PD, & all police departments, who put their lives on the line everyday to protect our communities. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/KdCubhiaZm
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) October 11, 2017
Today we spoke in the community about accountability as a two way street. (2/5) pic.twitter.com/4Ck8CDSQ4T
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) October 11, 2017
Holding ppl accountable for how they conduct themselves interacting w/ police, & holding police accountable for their actions as well (3/5) pic.twitter.com/gFZYmlakVE
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) October 11, 2017
We want to express our appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by officers. (4/5) pic.twitter.com/7LXOFvcWvm
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) October 11, 2017
Most importantly, we must continue working to build bridges between them and the community, while still pursuing justice. (5/5) pic.twitter.com/yLN6I2jZwx
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) October 11, 2017
"Commissioner Goodell spent yesterday with Miami Dolphins players, law enforcement, and community leaders witnessing first-hand the outstanding work our players and clubs are doing to strengthen their communities," read a statement from the NFL released Wednesday.
The conversation will continue next week when players and owners meet in New York to discuss protests in the NFL.