Trump, a frequent critic of anthem protests, responded in a tweet.
” Looking forward to live sports, however whenever I witness a player kneeling throughout the National Anthem, an indication of excellent disrespect for our Country and our Flag, the video game is over for me!” Trump composed.
Kapler, who took a knee with players again on Tuesday, said Trumps criticism will not dissuade him.
It doesnt matter what leader says that theyre not going to be following a video game. What matters the most is that were unwavering in trying to do whats right,” he stated.
Kapler was raised in an environment of activism and has been outspoken about the Black Lives Matter movement,.
according to the Giants website.
Professional athletes have been kneeling for the anthem to support protests for social justice and racial equality, as the nation comes to terms with systemic bigotry and demonstrations have erupted over the killings of Black individuals at the hands of cops.
Anthem presentations were promoted by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who initially sat and then kneeled for the anthem in 2016.
In an interview after Mondays game, Kapler stated that the Giants had discussions about what to do throughout the anthem for three days leading up to the exhibition.
” I told them that I wished to enhance their voices, and I wanted to enhance the voice of the Black neighborhood and marginalized communities as well,” he stated. “I informed them that I wanted to use my platform to demonstrate my frustration with the method weve managed racism in our nation. I wished to demonstrate my discontentment with our clear, systemic racism in our country, and I wanted them to understand that they got to make their own decisions and we would respect and support those choices.”.
It doesnt matter what leader states that theyre not going to be following a video game. What matters the most is that were unwavering in attempting to do whats right,” he said.” I informed them that I desired to enhance their voices, and I wanted to enhance the voice of the Black neighborhood and marginalized communities as well,” he stated. I desired to demonstrate my frustration with our clear, systemic bigotry in our nation, and I wanted them to understand that they got to make their own decisions and we would respect and support those decisions.”.
“My action is I dont see it as disrespect at all,” Kapler stated.
” I see nothing more American than standing up for what you think in. I see nothing more patriotic than tranquil demonstrations when things are irritating and distressing,” Kapler stated.
Kapler knelt along with several Giants players throughout the anthem in Mondays game against the Oakland Athletics.
The Giants published a video of its staff member kneeling on the groups main Twitter account with the caption “#BlackLivesMatter.”.
” We support those who knelt to peacefully object racial injustice and those who stood to reveal love of country. We do not see these as equally unique sentiments and think liberty to reveal both is what our nation has to do with,” Zaidi said.
Farhan Zaidi, Giants president of baseball operations, stated in a statement the group was proud of gamers and staff for taking part in the national conversation on racial oppression.
