Some NFL players kneel Sunday during national anthem
Some NFL players across the league continued to sit, kneel and raise fists during "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Sunday following President Trump's calls for the protests to end.
Three Miami Dolphins players -- Kenny Stills, Julius Thomas and Michael Thomas -- took a knee during the anthem before they faced off against the New Orleans Saints in London's Wembley Stadium. Most Saints players knelt before the anthem and stood while it played.
"As a way to show respect to all, our #Saints team will kneel in solidarity prior to the national anthem & stand together during the anthem," Saints quarterback Drew Brees tweeted Thursday.
On Saturday evening, Mr. Trump called again for an end to the protests that began as a movement to protest racial injustice in America.
"Very important that NFL players STAND tomorrow, and always, for the playing of our National Anthem," Mr. Trump tweeted. "Respect our Flag and our Country!"
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch was spotted wearing a shirt that read "Everybody vs. Trump" on Sunday afternoon before his team took on the Denver Broncos.
Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch wearing an "Everybody vs Trump" T-shirt: pic.twitter.com/7aiCUbjLUD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2017
About 20 San Francisco 49ers players were kneeling as the anthem played Sunday.
"For more than a year, members of our team have protested the oppression and social injustices still present in our society," 49ers coaches players ownership and staff said in a statement. "While some may not have taken a knee or raised a fist, we have all shared the desire to influence positive change."
Several Cleveland Brown players stood with their fists raised, while the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets were booed by fans after they knelt before the anthem.
"Before the singing of the national anthem, please join Ravens players and coaches, and the entire Ravens organization, to pray, that we as a nation can embrace, kindness, unity, equality and justice for all Americans," the Ravens' announcer said to a chorus of boos Sunday.
Last week, more than 200 players knelt during the anthem after Mr. Trump called on NFL team owners to fire any players who refuse to stand while it plays. NFL team owners defended their players while some joined them on the field by linking arms or kneeling.
The Indianapolis Colts issued a statement Sunday night explaining some players decision to kneel last week. The team said they had no intention of disrespecting the military and simply wanted to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."
"Our intention was to raise awareness and continue critical conversations about real equality, the injustices against black and brown people, police brutality, respect, unity and equal opportunity," the statement said.