Posted on 10/22/2016 10:47:25 AM PDT by Rennes Templar
A female singer performed the National Anthem while kneeling at midcourt before an NBA preseason game in Miami Friday night, opening her jacket to show a shirt with the phrase "Black Lives Matter."
The Miami Heat identified the singer as Denasia Lawrence. The team said of her gesture, "We were unaware of it ahead of time."
Lawrence posted video of her performance on Twitter along with a statement saying in part that "I took the opportunity to sing AND kneel; to show that we belong in this country AND that we have the right to respectfully protest injustices against us."
Heat players and coaches stood side-by-side for the anthem, all with their arms linked as has been their custom during the preseason. Many had their heads down as Lawrence sang before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The anthem issue has been a major topic in the sports world in recent months, starting with the decision by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to not stand for its playing. Kaepernick cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and athletes from many sports — and many levels, from youth all the way to professional — have followed his lead in various ways.
Tysse is white. Lawrence is black.
"I love and honor my country as deeply as anyone yet it is my responsibility as an American to speak up against injustice as it affects my fellow Americans," Tysse wrote on Facebook. "I have sung the anthem before but this time taking a knee felt like the most patriotic thing I could do. I cannot idly stand by as black people are unlawfully profiled, harassed and killed by our law enforcement over and over and without a drop of accountability."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Can’t wait to see what happens when one of these jack-wagons does this in OKC.
“”She doesn’t have any idea why ANYONE has been doing it””
We weren’t on the same page - I meant WHY the ballplayers are doing what they’re doing... She’s merely copying them because she doesn’t have a clue what their complaint is...Oh! They’re black, they’re kneeling, I must do the same.
Well, she’s not alone as I don’t have any idea why they chose “kneeling” as a way to protest...Must be some “black culture” thing.
She took a knee because she was tired. It takes a lot of energy to carry a huge chip on her shoulder even if its a cow chip.
Make them sign a forfeiture of fees contract.
Trump insist on National Anthem being played when told it’s to late.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfe1s4HpJQ
Don’t allow her to sing the National Anthem again.
Black Trash deserts America
It is indecent to propose that we put these folks on a boat or airplane and send them back to Africa.
It is wrong to force me, the taxpayer to fund that effort.
I will however chip in $5 for swim trunks.
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