Floyd Mayweather's Las Vegas Youth Football Team Kneels During National Anthem
LAS VEGAS (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Las Vegas youth football team boxer Floyd Mayweather sponsors took a knee during the national anthem during their first game over the weekend.
The TMT Red Lions Youth Football team posted a picture on Facebook showing the young kids kneeling during the anthem.
Coach Macc, the manager of the team, told TMZ that "it was shocking to see what these 6 years olds knew what was going on" in regards to Colin Kaepernick's protest of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Macc also explained to TMZ that the coaching staff discussed the move with the players to make sure they "understood" why the San Francisco 49ers quarterback was protesting the anthem.
Mayweather, who was not at the game, told Fight Hype that his "approach would be different" than Kaepernick's.
"I think a lot of people don't really understand what he's doing. He's basically saying that a lot of Americans that live in the urban communities, they feel like they're not being treated fair, so they're taking a stand," Mayweather said. "My approach would be different but everybody approaches things in their own way."
He continued, "Only thing we can do with certain situations is just pray and hope for the best. I don't have anything negative to say about anyone, to each his own. If that's what he feels, then that's his prerogative."
Kaepernick has refused to stand for the anthem all season in protest of police brutality and racial oppression in the United States. Teammate Eric Reid joined him during the final exhibition game when the two decided to kneel, instead of sit, in a move meant to show more respect to veterans.
Some NFL players have joined in the protest as Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall, Seattle Seahawks' Jeremy Lane, and Miami Dolphins' Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins, Michael Thomas and Kenny Stills didn't stand for the anthem. Several other players raised their fists during the playing of the anthem.
Women's soccer player Megan Rapinoe has also knelt during the national anthem before games.
Kaepernick said he will donate all the proceeds he receives from his jersey sales back into communities of need.
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