Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin tweeted Thursday that the team "will honor the country and flag" in a "demonstration of unity" prior to Sunday's season opener against Miami.
When approached in the locker room by reporters, Baldwin declined to elaborate further saying, "you'll see on Sunday."
To express a desire to bring people together, our team will honor the country and flag in a pregame demonstration of unity.
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 8, 2016
>>Related: Doug Baldwin, teammates consider not standing for anthem
>> Related: Seahawks' Lane says he will continue to sit for anthem
Former Green Beret and one-time Seahawks long-snapper Nate Boyer later tweeted that he had spoken with the Seahawks players about their plans and wrote, "what the team will do is a powerful sign of unification + respect for the Anthem + those that fight for our Freedom!"
Talked to the @Seahawks What the team will do is a powerful sign of unification + respect for the Anthem + those that fight for our Freedom!
— Nate Boyer (@NateBoyer37) September 8, 2016
In an interview with Fox Sports Radio later Thursday, Boyer expanded on his tweet .
"I spoke with the players, and they realize that 9/11 is a very important day in our nation's history. The Seahawks, and probably every team, will be honoring those who serve in camouflage, and also those in blue who served on such a difficult day," Boyer said. "Shortly after 9/11 our country seemed more unified than I had ever experienced, and was the most unified it has been since I have been alive. Since that date, we have grown farther apart in our unity. Standing together this Sunday is key to making progress. What the team will do is a powerful sign of unification."
You aren't alone @DougBaldwinJr.
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) September 8, 2016
Nate Boyer comments on the Seahawks exclusively here:https://t.co/eYW2MVqYAc pic.twitter.com/P6qAukcDOf
KIRO 7 News’ Cale Ramaker was a news conference on Thursday, where quarterback Russell Wilson spoke.
Wilson did not answer on what he would do during the anthem, but rather commented on his game day focus.
Russell Wilson speaking. pic.twitter.com/YXoALMOXTa
— Cale Ramaker (@CaleKIRO7) September 8, 2016
Russell Wilson no answer on whether team or more players will sit during anthem: just focused on Dolphins.
— Cale Ramaker (@CaleKIRO7) September 8, 2016
Seahawk hall-of-famer Steve Largent told KIRO Radio the national anthem is time for a player to stop, reflect and acknowledge sacrifices made for our country.
“That’s a moment as a player to stop, reflect and acknowledge that there’s been a lot of sacrifices made to get us to a point in this country, even to have to the opportunity we have as players to play this game, be paid as much as we do, and everything else,” Largent told KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don. “Taking a pot shot at some cause, whatever it is, during the national anthem is inappropriate.”
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