The playing of the national anthem. His protest sparked a national discussion about kneeling during the anthem and encouraged more players to follow suit.
In a message issued to the system’s presidents and athletic directors at the time, then-University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven addressed the matter, according to The Texas Tribune. Although no one should be forced to stand, McRaven stated,
“people should understand that by sitting in protest of the flag, they are disrespecting everyone who sacrificed to make this country what it is today – as imperfect as it may be.”
In October 2023, USA TODAY refuted a similar allegation that three football players’ scholarships were withdrawn by the University of Texas for kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.
The social media person who posted the image was contacted by USA TODAY for comment, but they did not respond right away. PolitiFact refuted the assertion as well.
