3 Eagles Raise Fist During National Anthem
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Several Philadelphia Eagles raised their fists during the national anthem Monday at Soldier Field in a symbol of protest for social injustice in America.
Continuing the movement started by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick -- protesting during the national anthem -- a few Eagles had vowed to show their support, waiting one week into the season out of respect for those who died on 9/11. Week 1 came on the 15th anniversary of the national tragedy.
Eagles veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins is the leader of this movement and was one of those to raise his fist Monday. He spoke of it Saturday and expressed that the decision wasn't an anti-police movement. Rather, it was a way to raise awareness of social injustice in America.
"That's what makes you guys put these cameras in my face and that's what keeps this conversation going," Jenkins told reporters after the Eagles' Saturday practice. "So sometimes you've got to rock the boat to get a little bit of change, and that's fine, and obviously you're seeing more and more guys using that platform to do just that.
"I know somebody kneeling or doing something is not what's going to create change. That's really just drawing attention to it … to push those things to the forefront."
No Bears were involved in the protest. Coach John Fox, whose father was a Navy SEAL, had said that the team "encourages" support for the country but that players have their own right to protest.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
