Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall ends US anthem protest
Monday 7 November 2016 09:07, UK
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall has taken to Instagram to explain his decision to stand for the US national anthem after kneeling in previous weeks.
Marshall began kneeling as part of the NFL anthem protest which was started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick at the beginning of the season and has since been taken up by players around the league.
However, after meeting with the Denver police department Marshall has decided to reverse course and he stood by Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak prior to the team's 30-20 loss to the Raiders in Oakland on Sunday night.
On the television broadcast, NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya said Kubiak stood beside Marshall because he wanted to show his own support for his player. According to Tafoya, Kubiak said he was proud of Marshall expressing his feelings and how he dealt with the backlash.
In his statement, Marshall said: "For the first half of the season, I've been taking a knee for the National Anthem to raise awareness for social injustice and to start conversation about what all of us can do to make a positive change.
"I'm encouraged with the many productive discussions and progress that has taken place as the Denver Police department has decided to review its use of force policy. I'm proud to have joined so many of my peers throughout sports who've also made their own statements.
"Going forward, I will be standing for the National Anthem - not because everything is perfect, or because I'm changing my stance on things. But because of my hope for what we can become. Just because I am standing doesn't mean the work will end. There's much work to be done. I'll continue to recognise and support organisations that are stepping up as leaders and making a real difference in our community, and I will do my part to be there for those in need."
Marshall also singled out the Idriss Stelley Foundation, which offers support to victims of police violence, as an organisation he will be supporting.
The 27-year-old explained he will be standing for them and the late O'Shaine Evans, an Oakland man who was shot and killed by a San Francisco police officer in 2014.
Marshall continued: "One of those organisations is the Idriss Stelley Foundation, a grassroots organisation in the Bay Area that offer free support to victims of police violence. I'll be standing for them and the family of the late O'Shaine Evans on Sunday night in addition to making a donation from my Tackle Change program to further the meaningful work of this group.
"I really appreciate the support from my family, team-mates, coaches and fans. I'm grateful for those who have taken the time to hear me out.
"I'm excited for what all of us can accomplish when we truly work together."
