Early playing of anthem prevents Rapinoe from taking a knee again
Megan Rapinoe had planned to take a knee during the national anthem before a second straight National Women’s Soccer League game with her Seattle Reign, in support of the similar actions by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
But on Wednesday, the Washington Spirit denied her the opportunity. The home team, anticipating the United States women’s national team star’s protest, simply played the anthem while the players were still in the locker room.
Then it released a rambling and logic-defying statement.
“We understand this may be seen as an extraordinary step, but believe it was the best option to avoid taking focus away from the game on such an important night for our franchise. While we respect every individual’s right to express themselves, and believe Ms. Rapinoe to be an amazing individual with a huge heart; we respectfully disagree with her method of hijacking our organization’s event to draw attention to what is ultimately a personal — albeit worthy — cause.
“As a veteran owned team, the national anthem holds an exceptionally special meaning for this organization,” the Spirit continued. “Our owner Bill Lynch has lost personal friends during overseas conflicts and has other close friends who have also lost loved ones. Playing the national anthem prior to sports events became standard during World War II and was a way to express the team’s and fan’s patriotism and show support for the U.S. Military. The tradition of honoring our military and our patriotism before our games is very important to us. We strongly feel that there are better ways to begin a conversation about a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is so important to so many.
“To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans for any cause would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves. Professional athletes have incredible numbers of followers, to which we believe they have the ability to articulate a conversation with objectives and plans and begin a serious conversation directly, or through traditional media appearances, without insulting our military and our fans.
“We do regret that this decision has denied the players who had no intention of taking a knee their own opportunity to honor our great country from the field. This is an issue we are communicating to and with them about personally.”
League commissioner Jeff Plush was in attendance and told the Washington Post that he was “disappointed” and that he didn’t know the Spirit planned to preempt Rapinoe. “I would have preferred to have had an honest dialogue of what we wanted to do, what their goals were, and then work through it,” he said. “I don’t suggest I have all the answers, but it’s better to talk about it.”
This ignores, however, the incongruous argument made by the Spirit.
For one, the anthem doesn’t represent the military alone. And the assumption that to protest the anthem is to “insult our military” is rather a leap. Rapinoe, like Kaepernick, has no issues with the military. Her protest concerns the “oppression” of racial minorities in the United States.
The Spirit is trying to pander to both sides. If a goal is “worthy” why does the organization disagree with it? Secondly, protesting for the betterment of your country is hardly a “personal cause.” Rapinoe stands to gain absolutely nothing at all from any of this.
Thirdly, if the club respects her “right to express” herself, how can it also disagree with her method of doing so?
And finally, to twice refer to her protest as “hijacking” is to condemn it without even bothering to do so earnestly.
Think what you will of Rapinoe’s ongoing actions, but the Spirit’s hijacking of her peaceful protest and its feeble explanation deserve scrutiny in equal measure.
UPDATE: The Seattle Reign released a statement in support of Rapinoe later Wednesday:
“Prior to the start of Sunday’s match against the Chicago Red Stars, Reign FC’s Megan Rapinoe elected to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. We recognize Megan’s decision was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.
“We empathize with those offended, as we understand that the playing of the national anthem is one of our nation’s most revered public celebrations, honoring the sacrifices that have been made – and continue to be made – by those serving in our armed forces.
“At the same time, we see many inspired by Megan’s decision, as the courage she exhibited by acting on her beliefs empowers others to take action as well.
“We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and made sacrifices on our behalf.
“We will also continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.
“And we will continue to support Megan in her efforts to make a positive impact on our country, encouraging her to do so in a way that provokes needed conversation about serious issues, in a manner consistent with the values of our organization.”
Leander Schaerlaeckens is a soccer columnist for Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter @LeanderAlphabet.
