Saskatchewan Roughriders

Riders issue statement supporting players’ protest

by
Drew Edwards
September 25, 2017

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have issued a statement supporting their players’ decision to stand arm-in-arm during the anthem before Sunday’s game against Calgary.

President Donald Trump’s comments about owners firing players who kneel during the national anthem sparked a mass increase in such protests around the National Football League Sunday, as more than 130 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during early games.

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Riders quarterback Kevin Glenn explained the decision after the game and he was just one of several players to speak out in support of the protests.

"It Was a Sign of Unity, That's Why We Did It"

– @SSKRoughriders @Qterback5 #CFL #RiderPride pic.twitter.com/fESPzIsxym

— CFL (@CFL) September 25, 2017

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie also issued a statement that was less full-throated in its support – “whether we liked or agreed with it” – but respected the players’ right to express their views.