National Anthem Protests Unseen At Cowboys Season Opener
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ARLINGTON (CBS 11 NEWS) - Football games across the country took time to honor the anniversary of September 11th, but that didn't stop some players from continuing the trend set by Colin Kaepernick of taking a knee in protest during the national anthem.
As they gathered with loved ones to tailgate before the game, fans like Frank Serrata made it clear they hoped not to see any Dallas Cowboys players follow Kaepernick's lead.
"It's his right, but people sacrificed a lot for it. It's that generation that feels entitled," he said.
As a veteran, Cowboys fan Luis Rodriguez said he hoped any players who felt like protesting during games this season would choose not to do so on the anniversary of 9/11. "Absolutely support it in terms of their rights. I'm vehemently against it from a principle standpoint, but that's what makes this country great."
Inside AT&T Stadium, former President George W. Bush took the field to chants of "USA" as he tossed the opening coin to honor those lost 15 years ago. The crowd went wild when the former commander in chief grabbed a New York firefighter cap off the head of one of the Giants players and used it to salute the fans.
None of the Giants or Cowboys players were seen protesting as the national anthem played.
"I was proud. I was proud that none of them did what he did," Cowboys fan Gina Rodriguez said referring to Kaepernick. "I mean they all stood. I was happy to see what I saw."
Standing for the anthem wasn't the case at some other games across the country. Four Miami Dolphins players took a knee during the Star-Spangled Banner, and players from other teams mounted similar protests.
Serrata said, "It's a shame first off that it happened, but that whole disrespect thing won't happen in Dallas, not in Texas. We won't stand for it here."
Cowboys fan Andreina Molano said, "I don't agree with it, but whatever they want to do. It's up to everybody, and I love America."
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall has already lost an endorsement deal for his protest during the national anthem. He has said his protest was not against the military, the police, or the country -- but against social injustice.
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