The United States soccer federation has backtracked over banning players from taking a knee during the national anthem.
Title: US Soccer Lifts Ban on Kneeling During National Anthem
In a significant move reflecting the evolving cultural landscape, US Soccer has rescinded its ban on players protesting during the national anthem. This decision comes amidst ongoing debates about freedom of speech and racial justice in sports and society at large.
The policy change was announced on Monday, February 21, 2022, marking a departure from the organization's previous stance, which had been criticized for suppressing athletes' right to express themselves. The new policy allows players to peacefully protest during the pre-game ceremony without facing disciplinary action.
This decision follows a similar move by the National Football League (NFL), which ended its anthem policy in June 2020, after facing pressure from players who knelt during the anthem to protest racial inequality. The NFL's policy change was a response to former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's peaceful protest, which sparked a nationwide conversation about racial justice and police brutality.
The US Soccer's policy change is a step towards fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport, allowing players to use their platform to advocate for social change. This move aligns with the organization's commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The new policy is effective immediately and will apply to all US Soccer-affiliated competitions, including Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), and the US Youth Soccer national championship series.
This development is a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for racial justice and freedom of speech in sports. It underscores the growing recognition that athletes have a right to use their platform to advocate for change and that sports organizations should support, rather than suppress, these efforts.
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14 Comments
Much love and respect Megan. People are more offended by you kneeling than other American's dying in the streets.
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
Well and good….
Somalian people in England not original majority.
When you realize the Head of SOCCER FEDERATION is undoubtedly a RACIST. No Cap 😒!!!
Whatever happened to “the beautiful game”? The game that left politics aside for 90+ minutes and joined a country. Am I the only one reconsidering support for US Soccer?
Violent protests always bring change.
I won't be watching if they disrespect our veterans! I stand with President Trump in honor of our troops! You can help and encourage African Americans without the disrespect, the looting, and the violence. This nonsense only hurts black lives! Let's unite the nation and speak out against all of the race-baiting. We were united before the obnoxious kneeling began.
Did we really need another reason to not watch soccer?
All sports are political now.
DEFUND ALL SPORTS!
Absolutely disgraceful. It's someones right to show their complete lack of character by kneeling disrespectfully. On the bright side, Megan Rapinoe and others serve as examples of how no to carry yourself. I hope we can all strive to be better people.
If these girls/women refuse to acknowledge our Nation let them find a country that they would like respect. As a black man that has served to protect them little "bitches", just stay out of American if you don't canre enough to respect it. good ridden to "bad rubbish"!
😀😀😀🙏🙏🙏