Since the tradition of playing the national anthem began, every major leaguer has stood for every single national anthem. Until Saturday night.
From the @sfchronicle’s Santiago Mejia, here is A’s rookie Bruce Maxwell becoming the first MLB player to take a knee for the anthem: pic.twitter.com/q8QVY9hW15
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 24, 2017
As Maxwell held his hand over his heart with one knee on the ground, fellow Athletic Mark Canha placed a supporting hand on his shoulder.
Shortly after, the A’s followed Canha in supporting Maxwell’s decision to kneel, saying, “the Oakland A’s pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all of our players’ constitutional rights and freedom of expression.”
Shortly after President Donald Trump’s speech on Friday night, where he criticized athletes who wouldn’t stand for the national anthem, Maxwell took to Twitter.
Don’t be surprised if you start seeing athletes kneeling in other sports now!! Comments like that coming from our president. WOW! ✊?✊?✊?
— Bruce T Maxwell (@bruu_truu13) September 23, 2017
Maxwell, the son of a U.S. Army veteran, is currently in his second year in the big leagues. In 71 games this season, he is batting .244 with three home runs and 21 RBI.