U.S. Soccer Federation REBUKES player after she goes all Kaepernick during National Anthem

This is pretty awesome:

DEADSPIN – Megan Rapinoe knelt Thursday night during the national anthem, her first time doing so in a U.S. Women’s National Team uniform, and U.S. Soccer was quick to make its frustration known. She first knelt during the anthem earlier this month, expressing her support for Colin Kaepernick before an NWSL game between her Seattle Reign and the Chicago Red Stars. Tonight, Rapinoe took a knee before the national team’s 9-0 exhibition win over Thailand.

During the game, U.S. Soccer issued a statement against Rapinoe’s protest, saying the national anthem is a time to “reflect upon the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country.” A curious use of the word “all,” considering that Rapinoe has said that kneeling during the anthem is a way of showing solidarity with Kaepernick as well as bringing attention to her feeling that the flag does not protect the liberties of all.

As she told ESPNw: “Quite honestly, being gay, I have stood with my hand over my heart during the national anthem and felt like I haven’t had my liberties protected, so I can absolutely sympathize with that feeling.”

Here’s the full rebuke by the U.S. Soccer Federation:

Representing your country is a privilege and honor for any player or coach that is associated with U.S. Soccer’s National Teams. Therefore, our national anthem has particular significance for U.S. Soccer. In front of national and often global audiences, the playing of our national anthem is an opportunity for our Men’s and Women’s National Team players and coaches to reflect upon the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country. As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the National Anthem is played.

I now have big respect for the U.S. Soccer Federation for putting this statement out so quickly during the game. It’s one thing to disrespect the flag in domestic games. It’s another thing to do it on the world stage in front of international fans. And I appreciate that they mentioned this was a time to reflect on the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country.

If Rapinoe feels like liberties aren’t being protected in America, she’s welcome to give up her big soccer salary and citizenship and go to another country. I suggest Saudi Arabia.


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