Bears, Lions Players Kneel During National Anthem Before Bears Season Opener
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Both Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions players knelt during the National Anthem ahead of the Bears season opener at Ford Field in Detroit Sunday afternoon.
Some players --including defensive tackle John Jenkins, defensive tackle Brent Urban, linebacker Joel lyiegbuniwe, and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols -- took a knee as the Star-Spangled Banner played while others stood around them with hands on their shoulders. Others -- including tight end Jimmy Graham and linebacker James Vaughters -- raised their hands in fists.
About a half hour before the National Anthem, players linked arms as "Lift Every Voice and Sing" played in the stadium.
Ahead of the game the Bears posted a picture of players with their arms linked writing, "TOGETHER. #ItTakesAllOfUs."
TOGETHER. #ItTakesAllOfUs pic.twitter.com/TwrzVumret
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 13, 2020
The Bears canceled practice on Aug. 27 as part of the growing protest in professional sports leagues in response to police shooting 29-year-old Jacob Black in Kenosha, Wisconsin.