Dan Snyder Avoids Kneeling With Redskins Players During National Anthem

UPDATE: Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder decided against kneeling in solidarity with players Sunday night in response to comments from President Trump slamming players for protesting during the national anthem. The Redskins released a two-paragraph statement that avoided referencing Trump and that was not signed by Snyder. Most Oakland Raiders remained seated during the anthem, but most Redskins stood, linking arms, but not kneeling for the most part.

The team issued a statement after the anthem at the start of the game: “Football has always served as the great unifier, bringing people together to celebrate the values of courage, commitment and achievement. We are proud of the players, coaches and fans of the Washington Redskins for all that they have done to improve the lives of others in neighborhoods all across our region.

“We are also grateful for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our armed forces that have provided us the freedom to play football," the statement continued. "In that great tradition, the Washington Redskins will work to address divisions and bring unity, civility and respect to our greater community.”

Original story: Less than 48 hours after President Trump said NFL players who practice their First Amendment rights on the football field by kneeling during the national anthem should be fired, many players at the league's games on Sunday protested with some taking a knee during the anthem, others locking arms and one team stayed in the locker room as the "Star Spangled Banner" played. And on Sunday night on arguably the biggest stage of all, everyone will be watching to see if the Redskins -- and the Raiders -- follow suit at FedEx Field.

At the league's first game in London, where the Baltimore Ravens were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, a couple dozen players took a knee during the playing of the national anthem. Jacksonville's owner, Shahid Khan, stood in a line shoulder-to-shoulder with his players, all of their arms interlocked in solidarity. Ravens coach John Harbaugh did the same.

> What do you think of the protests? Let us know in the comments.

"We recognize our players' influence. We respect their demonstration and support them 100 percent. All voices need to be heard. That's democracy in its highest form," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement.

Snyder declined to comment on the situation, perhaps not surprising since he donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural festivities. However, other NFL owners who supported Trump, most notably Patriots owner Robert Kraft, have issued statements denouncing Trump's comments.

.@Redskins declined to comment on Trump’s comment about firing players taking knee, but referred to @NFL statement https://t.co/l5JcO4JXlw
— Salvador Hernandez (@SalHernandez) September 24, 2017

The Redskins-Raiders Sunday Night Football game at FedEx tonight will come on the heels of a groundswell of protests across the league, giving Redskins players an opportunity to make an even bigger statement. Stay tuned to this post tonight, as we'll update it with how Redskins players respond tonight.

The NFL protests throughout Sunday's games come after the president's comments that started on Friday night and only intensified from there.

The Pittsburgh Steelers skipped the national anthem altogether, remaining in their locker room for a private ceremony related to the flag. The entirety of the team, with the exception of Alejandro Villanueva who served in the Army, remained inside before the start of the game.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag to say get that son of a b***h off the field right now, out, he's fired," Trump said to the crowd at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama on Friday. "He's fired!

The president then solidified his condemnation for those practicing their First Amendment rights on his favorite medium.

"If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect...." the president said in the first of a two part tweet. "our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!" the second tweet said.

Whatever the Redskins do tonight, it's sure to generate fierce debate on Twitter, where people are already talking:

Y’all better take a knee @Redskins
— A (@PinkAddictionn) September 24, 2017

@Redskins please tell me my redskins won't be taking a knee tonight, I may have to start watching and supporting Dallas!
— Linda Moure' (@MoureLinda) September 24, 2017

Tonight could be the first prime time #Redskins game I turn off if I see the team take a knee. Trump is right about this. Hand over heart.
— Jeff Bryant (@jhbryant3325) September 24, 2017

If the whole @Redskins team don't take a knee im officially not fw them nomore
— #GQ (@Tytooraww) September 24, 2017

Patch editor Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this report

PHOTO: Members of the Washington Redskins stand arm in arm during the playing of the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)