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Timeline of NFL protests during the national anthem

By Riley Michel
By Riley Michel

With 2018 NFL season underway, the focus on the ongoing debate between President Trump and NFL players over their protests during the national anthem has been renewed.

In July, the NFL and National Football League Players Association agreed to halt the enforcement of rules regarding the new national anthem policy.

The NFL policy in question was passed by NFL owners in May and aimed at addressing the firestorm over national anthem protests, permitting players to stay in the locker room during the "The Star-Spangled Banner" but requiring them to stand if they come to the field.

During week three of the 2017 NFL season, most NFL players opted to protest in a show of unity amid criticism from President Trump who slammed players opting to protest during the national anthem.

While the actions of many NFL players were in direct response to the President's comments, protests during the national anthem date back to August of 2016 when then 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first remained seated.

The Seattle Seahawks have found themselves in the center of the national anthem protest controversies, also dating back to the beginning of the 2016 season.

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Below is a reverse chronological timeline of events beginning with Colin Kaepernick's original action, and culminating with NFL owners approving a new policy aimed at addressing the firestorm over national anthem protests.

Timeline of Events (All times local)

September 3, 2018 - Colin Kaepernick face of Nike's 30th anniversary 'Just Do It' ad campaign

Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has not thrown a pass in an NFL game since the 2016 season, is the face of Nike's 30th anniversary "Just Do It" ad campaign.

The ad, released Monday afternoon, features a close-up, black and white image of Kaepernick with the words, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

Click here to read more.

August 10, 2018 - Trump says protesting NFL players should 'be cool!'

President Donald Trump is once again lashing out at football players who refuse to stand for the national anthem.
Trump claimed on Twitter Friday that "most of them are unable to define" what they're demonstrating against.

Instead, Trump tweets players should "Be happy, be cool!"

Click here to read more.

August 9, 2018 - 3 Seahawks leave field prior to national anthem

Three Seattle Seahawks players ran into the tunnel leading to the team's locker room prior to the national anthem on Thursday night.

Defensive linemen Branden Jackson and Quinton Jefferson, and offensive lineman Duane Brown left the field following team introductions and before the start of the anthem. They returned to the sideline immediately after it concluded. All three were among a group of Seattle players that sat during the anthem last season.

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August 9, 2018 - 2 Miami Dolphins, other NFL players kneel during national anthem in preseason openers

Miami Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson took a knee on the sideline during the national anthem before Thursday's NFL preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Miami Herald reported.

"Being a part of this protest hasn't been easy," Stills told WFOR. "I thought I was gonna be by myself out there and today I had an angel with me, with Albert (Wilson) being out there. I'm grateful that he sees what's happening and he wants to stand up and do something about it as well."

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July 21, 2018 - Trump: NFL players should be suspended for kneeling during anthem

In a tweet, President Donald Trump says NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be suspended as team owners and the NFL Players Association agreed to halt the enforcement of rules regarding the new national anthem policy.

"The NFL National Anthem Debate is alive and well again – can't believe it!" Trump wrote Friday on Twitter.

"Isn't it in contract that players must stand at attention, hand on heart? The $40,000,000 Commissioner must now make a stand. First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!"

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July 20, 2018 - NFL, players unions agree to halt anthem policy for now, seek resolution

The NFL and National Football League Players Association have agreed to halt enforcement of rules regarding the new national anthem policy, after the Associated Press reported that Miami Dolphins players who protest on the field during the anthem could be suspended for up to four games.

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May 23, 2018 - NFL owners adopt new policy to address anthem protests

NFL owners approve a new policy  aimed at addressing the firestorm over national anthem protests, permitting players to stay in the locker room during the "The Star-Spangled Banner" but requiring them to stand if they come to the field.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said the change was approved unanimously by the owners at their spring meeting in Atlanta, but it was met with immediate skepticism by the players' union.

"We want people to be respectful of the national anthem. We want people to stand," Goodell said. "That's all personnel, and to make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That's something that we think we owe. We've been very sensitive on making sure that we give players choices, but we do believe that moment is an important moment and one that we are going to focus on."

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March 12, 2018 - Seahawks players berated by driver never staged public protests during national anthem

Following reports that an upset driver still irritated by the national anthem protests told Seahawks cornerbacks Neiko Thorpe and Mike Tyson to get off their "little knees," KIRO 7 found that Neiko Thorpe and Mike Tyson never staged a public protest during the national anthem.

Click here for a game-by-game breakdown of how players on the Seahawks demonstrated during the national anthem last season

March 11, 2018 - Angry Renton driver tells Seahawks players to get off their knees 

An upset driver still irritated by the national anthem protests told Seahawks cornerbacks Neiko Thorpe and Mike Tyson to get off their "little knees."

In a video posted on Twitter, the woman tells them to "stand up." She also tells the two members of the team's defensive backfield that her tax dollars pay for them to play.

The confrontation was recorded outside of the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, the Seahawks' headquarters and practice facility. According to the post, the woman followed the two players to work.

Click here to view the video.

November 20, 2017 - All members of the Seahawks stand during the national anthem 

All members of the Seahawks stood during the national anthem before the team's Monday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons, in honor of the NFL's Salute to Service campaign.

November 9, 2017 - All members of the Seahawks stand during the national anthem

All members of the Seahawks stood during the national anthem before the team's Thursday Night Football victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

After the game, Michael Bennett told Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune that the team stood to honor the military ahead of Veterans Day.

"It was to signify that we are all with the military, and that we love them," Bennett said. "There's been this narrative that we don't care about the military. Today, we were honoring the military.... I know a lot of people did not expect us to stand. They have this narrative about us that is not true. I have a lot of family that were military (he is the son of a U.S. Navy man). It's never been about the military. If there is an opportunity to support them and be grateful for what they do, and the sacrifices, we want to be able to do that." Click here to read more.

October 10, 2017 - 10:40 a.m. - NFL Commissioner sends letter to NFL teams asking them to stand for National Anthem

Commissioner Roger Goodell tells club executives Tuesday in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that the anthem issue is dividing the league from its fans. He said the NFL needs "to move past this controversy."

Part of the memo from Goodell reads:

"Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the National Anthem. It is an important moment in our game. We want to honor our flag and our country, and our fans expect that of us."

NFL Spokesman Joe Lockhart says the policy will be "front and center on the agenda" when owners meet in New York next Tuesday and Wednesday.

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October 9, 2017 - 12:45 p.m. - Reports: Mike Pence's brief time at Colts game cost taxpayers at least $240,000

According to the Air Force, a flight on Air Force 2 costs about $30,000 per hour, CNN reports. That's down from an estimated $42,936 per hour per trip in 2013, according to Time.

Pence flew from Las Vegas to Indianapolis on Saturday and then from Indianapolis to Los Angeles on Sunday.

The trip, which took at about 3.5 hours on the way there and about 4.5 hours for the second leg, cost at least $240,000, CNN says.

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October 8, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. - Vice President Pence leaves NFL game after players protest during anthem

Vice President Mike Pence leaves the San Francisco 49ers - Indianapolis Colts game after members of the 49ers kneeled during the National Anthem.

After leaving the game, Pence issues the following tweet:

Later, President Trump also tweet's about Vice President Pence's decision to leave the game:

September 25, 2017 - 7:30 p.m. - Seahawks Michael Bennett wants to meet with President Trump to discuss NFL protests 

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett joins CNN'S "Anderson Cooper 360" to explain the teams protest during the national anthem, and says he'd like to meet with Trump regarding the message behind their protest.

"I would love to sit down with the president and talk about these issues and be able to find a way to fix them or be able to find a way to have the voice of the people; the people that don't have the voice that they're not listening to," Bennett says.

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September 24, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. Seahawks fans react to team's protests during national anthem

After the Seahawks and the Titans decision to remain in the locker room during the national anthem, some fans told KIRO 7 they supported the team's decision, while others said they planned to stop watching NFL games altogether.

One fan told KIRO 7's Deedee Sun, "I think at the end of the day if you have an opinion you want to make a statement about, that's the whole point of the first amendment."

Another fan disagreed with the team's protest and told KIRO 7 "Everybody should have a right to express themselves, but at the same time, show respect to our country, our flag, our armed forces, please."

Click here to read more.

September 24, 2017 5:30 p.m. - President Trump: Objection to protests has nothing to do with race

In response to league-wide protests, President Donald Trump tells reporters that his objection to NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality "has nothing to do with race."

Instead, Trump says it has to do with "respect for our country and respect for our flag," and says "our soldiers, our first responders" should be treated with respect.

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September 24, 2017 1:00 p.m. - Seahawks, Titans stay in locker room during national anthem

Every member of the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans stayed in the locker room before kickoff of their week three game in Nashville Tennessee. Both teams joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as the only teams to remain in their locker rooms in protest before their week three games.

Both team's released statements explaining their protest. The Seahawks explained they "unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms," while the Titans said "As a team we wanted to be unified in our actions today".

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September 24, 2017 - 10:00 am - President's criticisms spark more protests at NFL games

Before the Seahawks-Titans game Sunday afternoon more than 130 players sat, knelt, or raised their fists in defiance to President Trump's comments.

Defensive star Von Miller was among the majority of Denver Broncos who took a knee in Buffalo Sunday, where Bills running back LeSean McCoy stretched during the "Star Spangled Banner." In Chicago, the Pittsburgh Steelers stayed in the tunnel except for one player, Army veteran Alejandro Villanueva, who stood outside with a hand over his heart. Tom Brady was among the New England Patriots who locked arms in solidarity in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

In Detroit, anthem singer Rico Lavelle took a knee at the word "brave," lowering his head and raising his right fist into the air.

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September 23, 2017 - 9:30 p.m. - Seahawks Pete Carroll: 'We Stand for love and justice'

Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll responds to President Donald Trump's suggestion that National Football League owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem. And he encouraged spectators to walk out in protest.

Carroll's statement reads:

"In this incredibly polarizing time, there's no longer a place to sit silently. It's time to take a stand. We stand for love and justice and civility. We stand for our players and their constitutional rights, just as we stand for equality for all people. We stand against divisiveness and hate and dehumanization. We are in the midst of a tremendously challenging time, a time longing for healing. Change needs to happen; we will stand for change. May we all have the courage to take a stand for our beliefs while not diminishing the rights of others as this is the beating heart of our democracy. As a team, we are united in a mission to bring people together to help create positive change. We can no longer remain silent. I will stand with our players"

Click here to read more.

September 23, 2017 - 7:40 p.m. - Seahawks President Peter McLoughlin responds to Trump's Condemnation of anthem protest

Seattle Seahawks President Peter McLoughlin responds to President Donald Trump's suggestion that National Football League owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem. His statement was later retweeted by team owner Paul Allen.

McLoughlin's statement reads:

"We fully support our players' use of their freedom of speech and peaceful action to highlight the existing racial and other divides in our country. Our players completely respect the military and veterans of our country; however, they believe these issues need to come to the forefront."

Click here to read more.

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September 23, 2017 - Seahawks players respond to Trump's condemnation of anthem protests

Throughout Saturday afternoon, Seahawks players and staff took to social media to respond to President Trump's remarks that owners should cut players who kneel during the national anthem.

Click here to read more player responses.

September 23, 2017 - 6:16 a.m. - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calls Trump's attack on NFL players' protests 'divisive'

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell releases a statement on twitter calling President Donald Trump's comments on NFL players' nationa lanthem protests "divisive".

In his statement Goodell says:

Click here to read more.

September 22, 2017 - Seahawks' Michael Bennett, others ask NFL to support social activism 

Reports surface that Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is one of four NFL players that sent a letter to the NFL in August support from the league, general managers and owners for community outreach and social justice efforts on the part of its players. The players have also requested that the NFL recognize November as activism awareness month.

Part of the statement reads:

To be clear, we are asking for your support. We appreciate your acknowledgment on the call regarding the clear distinction between support and permission. For us, support means: bear all or part of the weight of; hold up; give assistance to, especially financially; enable to function or act. We need support, collaboration and partnerships to achieve our goal of strengthening the community. There are a variety of ways for you to get involved. Similar to the model we have in place for players to get involved, there are three tiers of engagement based on your comfort level

Click here to read more.

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September 22, 2017 - 8:47 p.m. - Trump blasts NFL players who kneel during anthem 

During a rally in Alabama Friday night President Donald Trump says National Football League owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem, and encourages fans to walk out in protest.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired," Trump said to loud applause.

Trump, who was in Alabama campaigning for Sen. Luther Strange, also blamed a decline in NFL ratings on the nation's interest in "yours truly" as well as what he described as a decline in violence in the game.

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September 10, 2017 - Las Vegas NAACP President is 'thankful Michael Bennett is alive'

The president of the NACCP in Las Vegas is calling out the police department for detaining Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett and comparing his treatment to that of Tashii Brown.

"I am thankful that Michael Bennett is alive," Roxann McCoy told KIRO Radio's Zak Burns.

Bennett told the media — after tweeting about it earlier — that an officer in Las Vegas pointed a gun at his head and told him he would "blow my (expletive) head off" why the Seahawk lay pinned to the street outside a casino. Bennett said he wasn't the only one running through the casino on Aug. 26 after a report of shots fired. He said he was singled out.

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September 7, 2017 - Police union wants investigation of Michael Bennett's racial bias claims

The Las Vegas Metro Police Union asks the National Football League to investigvate Michael Bennett's claims that he was targeted for being "a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time" and consider punishing him.

Earlier in the week, On Wednesday, the Seahawks' all-pro defensive end tweeted a letter saying Las Vegas police treated him with racial bias and that "the system failed me."  Follow this link to read Bennett's letter.

Click here to read more.

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September 6, 2017 - Michael Bennett calls Las Vegas encounter bias policing; undersheriff says that's not the case

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett on Wednesday accused Las Vegas police of racially motivated excessive force, saying he was threatened at gunpoint and handcuffed following a report of gunshots at an after-hours club at a casino hotel.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department (NVMPD) gave a news conference Wednesday about the accusations, saying there is no evidence Bennett was detained because of his race. According to the department, officers were investigating an active shooter call — which turned out to be false — and Bennett running quickly prompted a chase.

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September 6, 2017 - Colin Kaepernick stands with Michael Bennett, calls police encounter 'disgusting'

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett on Wednesday accused Las Vegas police of racially motivated excessive force, saying he was threatened at gunpoint and handcuffed following a report of gunshots at an after-hours club at a casino hotel.

Free agent and former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started the national anthem protest, was among those who supported Bennett.

"This violation that happened against my Brother Michael Bennett is disgusting and unjust. I stand with Michael and I stand with the people," he wrote.

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September 6, 2017 - Michael Bennett calls police confrontation a 'traumatic experience'

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett spoke Wednesday at a conference on a police confrontation he described as a "traumatic experience."

Bennett said Las Vegas police ordered him to the ground at gunpoint and threatened to "blow my ******* head off" for "simply being a black man" after it was believed a shooting happened on the strip.

"It's a tough situation for me," Bennett said at the conference Wednesday. "Do I think every police officer is bad? No … Do I believe some people judge people on the color of their skin? I do believe that."

Earlier in the day Bennett released a statement on twitter describing the sequence of events:

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August 16, 2017 - Michael Bennett tells CNN why he sat down during national anthem

After sitting during the national anthem before the Seahawks' first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Michael Bennett joined CNN to explain his decision.

Bennett explained that what happened in Charlottesville, Virginia had a lot to do with his decision.

"It was just a tipping point to see so much hate, and see so much hatred toward people. At the end of the day for me, it's about being a human being," Bennett said. "And when those things are going on, there's no way I could go out and try to hide behind the game."

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August 15, 2017 - Pete Carroll disagrees with sitting for national anthem, but supports Michael Bennett

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that while he believes everyone should stand for the national anthem, he supports defensive lineman Michael Bennett's decision to sit.

Bennett remained seated during the anthem before the Seahawks' preseason opener Sunday night in Carson, Calif., saying afterward that he did so – and will continue to do so – in the name of equality.

"I support the heck out of his concerns and his issues and all that," Carroll said. "When it comes to it, I love our country and I think we should all stand for the opportunities when the flag is represented. But the fact that his heart is in a great place and he's going to do great work, well after the time he's with us, and it's easy for me to support him and his issues. But I think we should all be standing up when we're playing the national anthem."

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August 14, 2017 - Seahawks' Michael Bennett sits during national anthem: 'It's about being a human being'

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett on Sunday said he sat Saturday as the national anthem played before his team's preseason game against the Chargers in Los Angeles because he wanted to use his platform to stand against injustice.

August 13, 2017 - Seahawks Michael Bennett sits during national anthem

August 12, 2017 - Marshawn Lynch sits after coming out of retirement 

In his first NFL game after coming out of retirement, former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch staged a protest by staying seated during the playing of the national anthem before the Oakland Raiders first preseason game Saturday with the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The typically mum Lynch didn't offer any comments to the media after the game, but Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said he spoke to the tailback afterward and wasn't aware that he was planning to stay seated.

"(Lynch) said, ‘This is something I've done for 11 years, it's not a form of anything other than me being myself.' I said, ‘So, you understand how I feel. I very strongly believe in standing for the national anthem, but I'm going to respect you as a man. You do your thing and we'll do ours. So, that's a non-issue for me," Del Rio said, according to ESPN.

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June 14, 2017 - Michael Bennett weighs in on whether Seattle should have signed Kaepernick 

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett tells a local radio station that he wishes the Seahawks had signed Kaepernick.

"If he feels [Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll] that this is not the right decision because we have a starting quarterback, then that's his choice," Bennett said. "I think he's able to have that choice."

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June 3, 2017 - Pete Carroll says Kaepernick a starter, just not with Seahawks

After working out for the Seattle Seahawks in late May, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick remains unsigned.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll adressed the team bringing in Colin Kaepernick for a workout, and told reporters:

"Colin has been a fantastic football player and he's going to continue to be. At this time, we didn't do anything with it, but we know where he is and who he is, and we had a chance to understand him much more so," Carrol said. "He's a starter in this league. We have a starter, but he's a starter in this league and I can't imagine that somebody won't give him a chance to play."

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May 24, 2017 - Report: Colin Kaepernick to visit Seahawks Wednesday

Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick reportedly visits Seattle to workout for the Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Michael Bennett recently endorsed the 29-year-old Kaepernick as a perfect fit for Seattle's locker room and its offense. Seahawks teammates Cliff Avril, Doug Baldwin, Jeremy Lane and Bobby Wagner expressed some form of public support for Kaepernick's social stances last season.

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May 19, 2017 - Seattle's Socialist Councilwoman encourages Seahawks to sign Colin Kaepernick 

Amid speculation that the Seahawks are considering signing Colin Kaepernick, Seattle's socialist City Councilwoman Kshama Sawant sends a letter to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and owner Paul Allen encouraging them to sign the former 49ers quarterback.

Sawant calls Kaepernick's protest during the national anthem courageous and reminiscent of the stance for black freedom on a podium at the 1968 Olympic Games and Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in Vietnam.

Click here to read the full letter from Sawant.

May 15, 2017 - Pete Carroll: Seahawks looking at every backup quarterback option, including Colin Kaepernick

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll tells 710 ESPN Seattle's 'Brock and Salk' that the Seahawks are "looking at everybody" as they explore the free-agent market for a veteran quarterback to back up Russell Wilson. That includes Colin Kaepernick.

"We're always looking. We're always looking at whatever, whatever's available," Carroll said when asked if Seattle is in the market for a backup quarterback, a job held last season by undrafted rookie Trevone Boykin. "We're looking to keep it competitive there, too. Trevone did a nice job for us last year, but we're still looking as we always will."

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November 21, 2016 - Seahawks Doug Baldwin asks police use of force committee to remove 'with malice' from law 

Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, the son of a police officer, attends a meeting in Olympia to ask a state task force to remove the "with malice" from a state law, passed in 1986, that says police officers can't face criminal charges unless prosecutors can prove they acted with malice and without good faith.

Right now, I'm really focused on the training for law enforcement, because I think that's where we can have the most impact.  Directly and as soon as possible," Baldwin explains.

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September 30, 2016 - Seahawks Doug Baldwin says he's received death threats 

Seattle Seahawks' receiver, and son of a policeman, Doug Baldwin tells "60 Minutes Sports" that he has received death threats after taking a stance on police shootings.

"A couple of people told me to watch my back," Baldwin tells a correspondent. "[I respond to the threats] the same way Colin [Kaepernick] did. There's issues going on in our society that people feel compelled to talk about. I'm not going to be quieted about it."

Click here to watch Baldwin's full interview.

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September 21, 2016 - Richard Sherman says anthem protests message getting lost 

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman says the public isn't listening to the message NFL players are trying to send with their actions during the national anthem.
 
While some fans are obsessing about whether players take a knee, raise a fist or lock arms during the national anthem before games, Sherman said they should be talking about the reasons why players are protesting.

Click here to read more.

September 20, 2016 - Marshawn Lynch expresses support for Colin Kaepernick's protest

Then-retired Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (now playing for the Oakland Raiders), joins Conan O'Brien and says he'd rather see Kaepernick "take a knee than stand up, put his hands up, and get murdered".

Lynch goes on to say ""I just hope people open up their eyes to see there's really a problem going on, and something needs to be done for it to stop".

September 16, 2016 - Garfield High School's football team kneels during national anthem 

The entire Garfield High School football team, along with half a dozen players from the West Seattle High School football team, kneel during the national anthem before their game.

Garfield High School Football Coach Joey Thomas says their team wanted to act as one, after having conversations about social injustices, and how Colin Kapernick was being viewed in the media.

Thomas says after the game, "If these kids can be courageous enough to do this as kids, and they're leading by example, what impact can you have?" Thomas said. "This is a high school team that is doing this. Where are all our other teams at? Where are all our colleges at? Where's our University of Washington? Where's our WAZZU?"

Click here to read more.

September 11, 2016 - 1:00 p.m. -  Seahawks stand together, link arms during national anthem before season opener

On the 15-year anniversary of 9/11 the Seahawks stand and linked arms during the national anthem before their season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

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September 11, 2016 - 10:29 a.m. - Actor Chris Pratt to join Seahawks in 'demonstration of unity'

Actor Chris Pratt announces over twitter his plans to join the Seattle Seahawks in their planned 'demonstration of unity'

Earlier in the week receiver Doug Baldwin tweets that the team is planning a team-wide 'demonstration of unity' before their season oepner against the Miami Dolphins.

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September 10, 2016 - Pete Carroll supports 'respectful' planned pregame demonstration by Seahawks players

Talking Friday to KIRO Radio 97.3 FM's Dori Monson during his weekly "Pete Carroll Show," Carroll says that the players have planned a "very respectful" demonstration.

"I just wanted to let it be known that we're in support of our guys. That's really all I did by that and I think it's a really good thought they have," Carroll says. "It's very respectful, what they're thinking, and their mind is in the right place and they really want to do good and help. I'll support these guys and I'm really proud of the work that they're doing to figure out what is important to them. … It's a very important time for these young guys. They really want to know what's up and they really want to figure it out and our guys in particular are really tuned in to doing the right thing and helping people come together and grow together, and I'm really proud of the work they're doing."

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September 10, 2016 - Seahawks' Doug Baldwin shares preview of pregame 'demonstration of unity'

Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin rallies support on twitter in preparation for a "demonstration of unity" prior to the Seahawks' home opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Baldwin first tweets about the planned demonstration of unity and says the teams will "honor the country and the flag"

Former Green Beret and one-time Seahawks long-snapper Nate Boyer later tweets 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!"

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September 9, 2016 - Dupont Mayor postpones Seahawks rally after speculation of nation anthem protest

DuPont Mayor Mike Courts says don't blame him for canceling a city-sponsored Seahawks rally. Blame players for what he calls "organized disrespect for our nation's symbol."

"I did not bring politics to the football field," Courts said Friday.

Courts said he called off the third annual rally over players' claims they plan to protest during the national anthem.

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September 9, 2016 - Pete Carroll: Seahawks will be 'thoughtful, honoring' for national anthem

As football fans across the nation speculate whether athletes will protest on the 15th anniversary weekend of 9/11, coach Pete Carroll talks about his expectations of the Seahawks players in their "demonstration of unity" before the home opener on Sunday.

"I'm so proud of the process they have gone through as they are working to make the choices, decisions to do what they are going to do," he said.

"They're going to be very thoughtful, very respectful … honoring what should be recognized. I'm just very proud of how they've gone through it. They have a conscience about what they are doing and they really want to do the right thing."

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September 8, 2016 - Hall of Famer, former Seahawk, Steve Largent talks national anthem, white privilege and Seahawks

Seahawks hall-of-famer Steve Largent discusses Colin Kaepernick's decision to remain seated during the national anthem on KIRO radio.

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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September 4, 2016 - Seattle Reign's Megan Rapinoe takes knee during national anthem before NWSL match

Seattle Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe takes a knee during the natioanl anthem before a NWSL match against the Chicago Red Stars.

Rapinoe explains she is in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick says that as a gay American, she knows "what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties," and that "it's important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this."

September 1, 2016 - Seahawks' Jeremy Lane remains seated during national anthem 

Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane becomes the first non San Francisco 49er to remain seated during the national anthem before the team's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.

The Seahawks' Jeremy Lane remained seated during tonight's national anthem. >> kiro.tv/RemainedSeated [Photos via Associated Press]

Posted by KIRO 7 News on Thursday, September 1, 2016

"I wasn't trying to say anything. Just standing behind Kaepernick," Lane said following the game. He added that he would keep doing it until he felt like justice was served.

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September 1, 2016 - Colin Kaepernick is joined by safety Eric Reid in anthem protest

Before the San Fransico 49ers game against the then San Deigo Chargers (now in Los Angeles) quarterback Colin Kaepernick is joined by safety Eric Reed in kneeling before the national anthem.

Kaepernick explains after the game he spoke with former Green Beret and brief Seahawks' long-snapper Nate Boyer and after their discussion decided to shift from sitting to taking a knee during the anthem.

Kaepernick explains, "We were talking to [Boyer] about how can we get the message back on track and not take away from the military, not take away from fighting for our country, but keep the focus on what the issues really are. And as we talked about it, we came up with taking a knee. Because there are issues that still need to be addressed and it was also a way to show more respect to the men and women who fight for this country."

Kaepernick later announces his plan to donate $1 million to charities that focus on racial issues.

August 26, 2016 - Colin Kaepernick gains national attention for sitting during anthem

For the first time while in uniform, Colin Kaepernick remains seated during the national anthem.

After the game Kaepernick tells reporters: "I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change. When there's significant change and I feel that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand."
 
"This stand wasn't for me. This is because I'm seeing things happen to people that don't have a voice, people that don't have a platform to talk and have their voices heard, and effect change. So I'm in the position where I can do that and I'm going to do that for people that can't."
 
"It's something that can unify this team. It's something that can unify this country. If we have these real conversations that are uncomfortable for a lot of people. If we have these conversations, there's a better understanding of where both sides are coming from."
 
"I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country. I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone. That's not happening. People are dying in vain because this country isn't holding their end of the bargain up, as far as giving freedom and justice, liberty to everybody. That's something that's not happening. I've seen videos, I've seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they fought have for, and have been murdered by the country they fought for, on our land. That's not right."

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August 20, 2016 - Kaepernick sits for second time during national anthem

Colin Kaepernick remains seated before the San Francisco 49ers second preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Kaepernick is not in uniform, and does not play in the game.

August 14, 2016 - Kaepernick first sits during national anthem

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick makes national headlines when he remains seated during the national anthem before the 49ers first preseason game against the Texans. Kaepernick was not in uniform and did not play.

Information from the Associated Press, Mynorthwest.com, and the Tacoma News Tribune is included in this story. 

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