It's been more than a year since Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem for the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2016 NFL season. Kaepernick was protesting the ill treatment of minorities in the United States, and his controversial actions were soon replicated all throughout American sport. Fast forward to the present day, though, and Kaepernick's actions are looked back on less fondly in some quarters. The 29-year-old became a free agent at the close of last season and is yet to find a new team, while Donald Trump referred to him as a "son of a bitch" for failing to stand for the Star-Spangled Banner. The president also attacked the NFL, and urged fans to boycott football games if players persisted in "disrespecting our flag & country". With so much at stake, it would be interesting to see how the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars responded when they locked horns in London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday, not least the rest of the league as games kicked off around the country. If these photos are anything to go by, President Trump is going to have to try a lot harder to deter the NFL from standing by Colin Kaepernick.

1. Both the Ravens and the Jaguars showed immense solidarity during the national anthem

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/joshkatzowitz/status/911947455532584961]]

2. The Jaguars locked arms as the Star-Spangled Banner played

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/joshkatzowitz/status/911948686694977537]]

3. Jaguars owner Shad Khan locked arms with his team

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/joshkatzowitz/status/911948136553304064]]

4. Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers declared his team wouldn't be coming out at all for the national anthem

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/Eric_Edholm/status/911997940079775745]]

5. The Philadelphia Eagles showed their solidarity

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/RoobCSN/status/911998309937684480]]

6. Defending champions the New England Patriots kneeled during the anthem as well

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/911998198289444865]]

7. Television networks were sure to take note of every anthem around the country

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/bylindsayhjones/status/911998390757605376]]

8. The Cleveland Browns were unequivocal in their support of Kaepernick when they took on the Colts

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/MaryKayCabot/status/911998905772109826]]

9. Jeffrey Lurie stands in solidarity with his Eagles players during the anthem

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/DanLevyThinks/status/911998767443988480]]

10. A smattering of players kneeled for the Detroit Lions

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/mikerothstein/status/911998717930102784]]

11. The New Orleans Saints had players sitting during the anthem 

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/theMMQB/status/911999109531406337]]

12. Both the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos kneeled, showing how they felt

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/SInow/status/911998988265639936]]

13. Players raised their fists in protest at the game between the Eagles and the New York Giants

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/keithboykin/status/911999002081624065]]

14. The New York Jets had one word to say during the national anthem

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/nyjets/status/911999993250066432]]

15. Even the singer of the national anthem at the Falcons-Lions game took a knee

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/JayShef/status/911999439937601546]]

16. Aaron Rodgers, one of the NFL's best players, posted this on Instagram before the games kicked off

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/dcsportsbog/status/911953114844078080]] As players around the world showed their solidarity in the wake of President Trump's threatening and polarising comments, it just goes to show how standing up for our fellow is way more important than sports or ticket sales. One player who didn't get to kneel, however, is Colin Kaepernick; still without a team following his actions last season. Kaepernick's career in the NFL looks in the balance, but his actions that day in August 2016 will never be forgotten.

Michael Strahan has spoken out as he appeared to lash out at a reporter after being questioned about his national anthem controversy.On Sunday (November 10), the Fox network honored Veteran’s Day during its NFL Sunday Football broadcast.During the segment, a marching band played the national anthem, 'Star-Spangled Banner,' as the network's commentators stood in a line and placed a hand over their hearts as a sign of respect.Watch the moment below:As the camera panned, it landed on the Good Morning America anchor, who was seen with his arms folded across the lower half of his body.Many people took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam Strahan for being “disrespectful” toward those who have served in the US military.One user shared a video of the broadcast and penned in the caption: "What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On effing Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool.""I’m sorry.. @michaelstrahan if you can’t be bothered to put your hand over your heart for the National Anthem WHILE WITH THE MILITARY. You don’t deserve to be on TV. Instead of being disrespectful, you could have waited off camera!" a second blasted.A third commented: "What’s up with that! No hand on heart! You’ve got to be kidding! Do better @michaelstrahan!"Michael Strahan has been slammed for not standing up for the national anthem. Credit: Thearon W. Henderson / GettyThe TV host was questioned about the furor surrounding him not holding his hand over his heart by a journalist waiting outside of his New York City home on Tuesday (November 12).In a video obtained by the Daily Mail, an outraged Strahan can be seen grabbing the reporter's phone and repeatedly saying: “Don’t come to my house,” before he allegedly tossed the device.Watch the video below:At first, the 52-year-old did not address the controversy and instead chose to share a picture of his “hero” father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., who served in the army for 23 years, on his Instagram.“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure,” he captioned the pictures.But last night, Strahan finally spoke up, expressing regret over his clash with the journalist, and explained why he didn't cover his heart."Everybody it's Michael here, and I wanna address what happened this past weekend,' he said in the video, adding that he's "not proud of the way" he handled that whole situation with the reporter.He then went on to state what caused his viral moment, admitting he was too busy admiring the US Navy in attendance before realizing his mistake. "I'll tell you the truth... it's that I was caught up in the moment," he explained. "I'm looking at all these young sailors standing there at attention before the national anthem played and I'm thinking to myself, 'How incredible to be that young and to know that you wanna do this. It's such a commitment but you're willing to commit to something that gives us our freedoms.'"And by the time I looked up from that moment, all my five guys had their hands over their hearts, the national anthem's playing... I somewhat panic and I'm like, 'Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after [the anthem starts]? Or do I just stand here with my hands in front of me respectfully?' And that's what I did. That's what happened," he added.The anchor apologized for "offending any of our military and veterans" on Veterans Day because that was not his "intent", and emphasized that he was a "product of the military, a proud lover of the military and a proud lover of who served before, now and who will serve in the future".He concluded that the "only statement" that he wants to make is that he "loves the military".Featured image credit: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty

Colin Kaepernick divides opinion among many NFL fans. There are those who believe his refusal to stand up for the national anthem before a preseason game was him simply exercising his right to protest, and there are others who believe that he is a disgrace to the sport and his country. However, one thing that cannot be denied is that he is a talented player, and its a shame that he is now a free agent now due to a peaceful protest. For those that are unaware, Kaepernick refused to stand for the American national anthem during a pre-season game in 2016, and it sparked outrage across social media. Speaking to the media about his protest, Kaepernick said: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder" The story continued to develop throughout the season, with other players joining Kaepernick in his protest and either kneeling or raising their fist during the national anthem to show support with the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the quarterback, who had received abuse and death threats online because of his protest. However, Kaepernick refused to stop his protest, and speaking to the press later in the season, he said that he would continue to do so until he could see significant change. "Yes, I'll continue to sit. I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me this is something that has to change. "When there's significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand." Due to his controversial protest, Kaepernick's jersey quickly became the most sold in the NFL, while he was also the least popular player in the sport. But, despite many people believing he deserves the treatment he received, one NFL legend has called on the quarterback to be allowed a return to the sport. Tom Brady, who is arguably the most famous player in NFL history, has called on a team to take a chance on Kaepernick due to his talents in the sport. When asked if he sees the player returning to the NFL, Brady said: "I certainly hope so." "I’ve always watched him and admired him, the way that he’s played," "He was a great young quarterback, he came to our stadium and beat us, and took his team to the Super Bowl in 2012. He accomplished a lot in the pros, as a player, and he’s certainly qualified. I hope he gets a shot.” It's good to see Brady back a fellow professional who is being treated unfairly due to his personal opinion, which in the grand scheme of things, has done no harm to anyone whatsoever. According to a variety of media sources, there are plenty of teams looking at Kaepernick and no doubt as the season goes on and players pick up injuries, we will see him adorn a team's jersey once again.

The NFL’s first-ever game in Spain delivered drama even before kickoff, as many viewers took aim at the performance of the Star-Spangled Banner - not for the vocals, but for the singer’s outfit.

American pop artist Karina Pasian opened Sunday’s matchup between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but her wardrobe became an unexpected flashpoint for fans watching around the world.

Pasian, 34, took to the field in a black mini dress with a plunging cowl neckline, paired with thigh-high stockings, garters, and opera-length gloves. A video posted by the NFL on X quickly drew thousands of comments, many of which argued that her clothing undercut the solemnity of the anthem.

“Nice, but why did she have to dress like a hooker?” one user wrote, while another questioned: “Why is she dressed like a hooker? Lovely voice, but the outfit is distracting.”

Others echoed similar criticisms, saying the ensemble felt “inappropriate” or more fitting for a cabaret performance than a national anthem ceremony. One person commented, “Who dresses like that to sing a national anthem? Shame.”

Despite the criticism, a portion of the audience pushed back, arguing the focus should remain on Pasian’s voice rather than her attire.

Many Fans Praise Her Vocals and the Moment Itself

Amid the polarized debate, a wave of commenters applauded the singer’s rendition, calling it one of the standout moments of the Madrid event.

“Not many people can sing that song well. She knocked it out of the park,” one viewer wrote. Another added,:“Historic game, historic vocals. She delivered.”

Several praised the NFL’s choice to spotlight Pasian during such a landmark game. “Cool seeing her get that spotlight in Madrid,” one fan commented. “First NFL game there needed a moment like that.”

Another added: "What a beautiful performance for an anthem."

Pasian currently lives in Madrid but originally hails from New York City.

Credit: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images.

Pasian’s Career: From Child Prodigy to International Performer

Pasian has been in the music spotlight since childhood. At 13, she drew competition among major record labels including Def Jam, Interscope, and Bad Boy, ultimately signing with Def Jam in 2006.

She later earned a Grammy nomination for her single 'Can’t Find the Words' in the Best Contemporary R&B category and performed at the White House in 2007 for President George W. Bush during Black Music Month.

Her performance on Sunday set the stage for a dramatic matchup, which ended with the Miami Dolphins edging out the Washington Commanders 16–13 in overtime.

Featured image credit: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images.

The Dallas Mavericks have announced that they will no longer play the US national anthem again before games.

According to The Athletic, the decision for the NBA team to cease playing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' prior to their matches came at the behest of manager Mark Cuban, who confirmed the news to the publication on the evening of Monday, February 8.

The Athletic reports that the move has not been publicized and that no official statement had been released on the issue.

However, the Mavericks haven't played the national anthem of the United States of America in any of their 13 preseason or regular season fixtures, including Monday's match against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Per The Athletic, this decision marks the first instance of a professional basketball team getting rid of the U.S. national anthem from their pre-game.

An NBA spokesperson told the publication on Tuesday, February 9, that, although an unconventional choice, the decision to forgo the anthem is permissible, stating: "Under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit."

Following the example set by American football player Colin Kaepernick, a number of players and teams have made the decision to take a knee during the playing of the national anthem at sports events.

The symbolic gesture is intended as a form of protest against racial and social injustice and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement which stands against institutional brutality and racial profiling.

Previously, in a statement made to ESPN in July of 2020, Cuban appeared to endorse his players making this political statement, stating himself:

"Whether it's holding their arm up in the air, whether it's taking a knee, whatever it is, I don't think this is an issue of respect or disrespect to the flag or to the anthem or to our country.

"I think this is more a reflection of our players' commitment to this country and the fact that it's so important to them that they're willing to say what's in their heart and do what they think is right."

Per Forbes, two days after making this statement, Cuban tweeted to his 8.1 million followers: "The National Anthem Police in this country are out of control.

"If you want to complain, complain to your boss and ask why they don’t play the National Anthem every day before you start work."