Washington Spirit plays anthem early rather than let Seattle Reign's Rapinoe take a knee

Washington Spirit plays anthem early rather than let Seattle Reign's Rapinoe take a knee

WASHINGTON – The Washington Spirit elected to play the national anthem early Wednesday night rather than let the Seattle Reign’s Megan Rapinoe take a knee in protest as she’d planned.The anthem played while the teams were still in their locker rooms.The Spirit issued a statement soon after, saying team owner Bill Lynch is a veteran who “lost personal friends during overseas conflicts.”Rapinoe announced she’d be kneeling during the anthem before games in support of San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is doing the same to protest racial inequality."I think it's actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isn't," Rapinoe told American Soccer Now earlier this week. "We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country."The statement from the Spirit said the club feels “there are better ways to begin a conversation about a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is important to so many.”The club described Rapinoe’s cause as “worthy,” but said it disagreed with her method of “hijacking” the match to further it.“To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves,” the club’s statement read.

WASHINGTON – The Washington Spirit elected to play the national anthem early Wednesday night rather than let the Seattle Reign’s Megan Rapinoe take a knee in protest as she’d planned.The anthem played while the teams were still in their locker rooms.The Spirit issued a statement soon after, saying team owner Bill Lynch is a veteran who “lost personal friends during overseas conflicts.”Rapinoe announced she’d be kneeling during the anthem before games in support of San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is doing the same to protest racial inequality."I think it's actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isn't," Rapinoe told American Soccer Now earlier this week. "We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country."The statement from the Spirit said the club feels “there are better ways to begin a conversation about a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is important to so many.”The club described Rapinoe’s cause as “worthy,” but said it disagreed with her method of “hijacking” the match to further it.“To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves,” the club’s statement read.

Doug Baldwin says he might sit for national anthem, and teammates might join him

Doug Baldwin says he might sit for national anthem, and teammates might join him

Doug Baldwin said he’s considering sitting during the national anthem before the Seattle Seahawks’ game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday – and more players might join him.

Doug Baldwin said he’s considering sitting during the national anthem before the Seattle Seahawks’ game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday – and more players might join him.

Seattle Reign FC star Megan Rapinoe kneels during national anthem

Seattle Reign FC star Megan Rapinoe kneels during national anthem

CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem Sunday night before the Seattle Reign's 2-2 tie with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League."It's the least I can do.

CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem Sunday night before the Seattle Reign's 2-2 tie with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League."It's the least I can do.

Commentary: Agree or not, NFL’s anthem policy is inconsistent with rest of league’s rules

Commentary: Agree or not, NFL’s anthem policy is inconsistent with rest of league’s rules

We start with the story of Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, who planned on wearing pink all last season in memory of his mother who died of breast cancer and to raise awareness for the cause.But the NFL - which devotes an entire month to promoting the cause - said no.And then there's the story of receiver Brandon Marshall, who wore green shoes to honor National Mental Health Awareness Month in 2013 - and was fined by the league.

We start with the story of Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, who planned on wearing pink all last season in memory of his mother who died of breast cancer and to raise awareness for the cause.But the NFL - which devotes an entire month to promoting the cause - said no.And then there's the story of receiver Brandon Marshall, who wore green shoes to honor National Mental Health Awareness Month in 2013 - and was fined by the league.

Colin Kaepernick, 49ers teammate kneel during national anthem this time

Colin Kaepernick, 49ers teammate kneel during national anthem this time

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid kneeled during the national anthem Thursday night, continuing the quarterback's preseason protest of American racial injustice and minority oppression.Kaepernick and Reid dropped to one knee while a naval officer sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and dozens of military members unfurled an oversized flag at the Chargers' Qualcomm Stadium.Kaepernick received scattered boos when he dropped to a knee, but the protest was otherwise unremarked by the San Diego crowd.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid kneeled during the national anthem Thursday night, continuing the quarterback's preseason protest of American racial injustice and minority oppression.Kaepernick and Reid dropped to one knee while a naval officer sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and dozens of military members unfurled an oversized flag at the Chargers' Qualcomm Stadium.Kaepernick received scattered boos when he dropped to a knee, but the protest was otherwise unremarked by the San Diego crowd.

Seahawks' Jeremy Lane sits during national anthem, explains why

Seahawks' Jeremy Lane sits during national anthem, explains why

OAKLAND, Calif. – Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane remained seated during the national anthem before the preseason game in Oakland on Thursday night, saying he was "just standing behind" 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick's controversial move last week.Later, Lane told reporters, "I wasn't trying to say anything, just standing behind Kaepernick.

OAKLAND, Calif. – Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane remained seated during the national anthem before the preseason game in Oakland on Thursday night, saying he was "just standing behind" 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick's controversial move last week.Later, Lane told reporters, "I wasn't trying to say anything, just standing behind Kaepernick.

49ers Quarterback Kaepernick refuses to stand during national anthem

49ers Quarterback Kaepernick refuses to stand during national anthem

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he is refusing to stand for the national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he is refusing to stand for the national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.

Sick of disrespect during National Anthem, coach brings players face-to-face with veterans

Sick of disrespect during National Anthem, coach brings players face-to-face with veterans

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- A college basketball coach is apparently fed up with how his players are behaving during the National Anthem before games.WTVR reports Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams recently brought in military veterans and had his players stand face-to-face with them.He told his players to stand in attention during the anthem.“These guys, when they were your age, interrupted their life, they paused their education, they changed their career, and they gave their life for those chairs,” Coach Williams said in the video recorded last fall. “So when the Anthem is played, we’re going to stand like grown men and we’re going to honor men like this, that gave their life, so we can have a chair to sit in.”The video was posted March 6 on Facebook and has been viewed more than 2 million times.

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- A college basketball coach is apparently fed up with how his players are behaving during the National Anthem before games.WTVR reports Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams recently brought in military veterans and had his players stand face-to-face with them.He told his players to stand in attention during the anthem.“These guys, when they were your age, interrupted their life, they paused their education, they changed their career, and they gave their life for those chairs,” Coach Williams said in the video recorded last fall. “So when the Anthem is played, we’re going to stand like grown men and we’re going to honor men like this, that gave their life, so we can have a chair to sit in.”The video was posted March 6 on Facebook and has been viewed more than 2 million times.

Seattle sports fans are finally on top of the world...now what?

Seattle sports fans are finally on top of the world...now what?

SEATTLE -- As Seattle basks in the afterglow of the Seahawks' first World Championship and victory parade, a lot of fans are wondering, "So...now what?" My wife has told me that she is concerned that I am going to slip into a funk after so much elation.

SEATTLE -- As Seattle basks in the afterglow of the Seahawks' first World Championship and victory parade, a lot of fans are wondering, "So...now what?" My wife has told me that she is concerned that I am going to slip into a funk after so much elation.

The Power of 12 couldn't be denied

The Power of 12 couldn't be denied

SEATTLE -- I started talking about how the number 12 was popping up all over the place in the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

SEATTLE -- I started talking about how the number 12 was popping up all over the place in the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

Seattle police plead for patience as parade winds down

Seattle police plead for patience as parade winds down

SEATTLE -- Police and emergency workers pleaded for patience and understanding as Seattle's championship parade slowly came to a close Wednesday, with more than 700,000 fans hitting the streets in an effort to return home."Seahawks fans have been their usual well-behaved, patient and loud selves, braving freezing temperatures and treating the team and each other with respect," Said Barb Graff, director of Seattle's Office of Emergency Management."Now, as folks are getting ready to leave for home, we are asking them to remember: it took or seven hours for everyone to get downtown for the parade; and it will likely take at least that long for transportation systems to return to normal."Seattle were asking everyone to stay off their phones and computers in an effort to help keep 911 lines open and from being jammed.Officials also encouraged:--Staying calm and patient--Limit use of mobile phones and web access so important 911 calls can get through--Consider staying downtown and going home later – lots of great restaurants nearby--Walk home or to nearby neighborhoods--Check on each otherUse the following links to plan your exit from downtown Seattle:• Seahawks live-stream: www.seahawks.com• City of Seattle’s Alerts Blog: alerts.seattle.gov• King County Metro Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/ • Sound Transit Trip Planner: http://www.soundtransit.org/Trip-Planner• Community Transit: http://www.commtrans.org/tripplanner/• More parade questions and answers: http://alerts.seattle.gov/2014/02/04/prepping-for-the-parade/• Hashtag on social media: #Celebrate48

SEATTLE -- Police and emergency workers pleaded for patience and understanding as Seattle's championship parade slowly came to a close Wednesday, with more than 700,000 fans hitting the streets in an effort to return home."Seahawks fans have been their usual well-behaved, patient and loud selves, braving freezing temperatures and treating the team and each other with respect," Said Barb Graff, director of Seattle's Office of Emergency Management."Now, as folks are getting ready to leave for home, we are asking them to remember: it took or seven hours for everyone to get downtown for the parade; and it will likely take at least that long for transportation systems to return to normal."Seattle were asking everyone to stay off their phones and computers in an effort to help keep 911 lines open and from being jammed.Officials also encouraged:--Staying calm and patient--Limit use of mobile phones and web access so important 911 calls can get through--Consider staying downtown and going home later – lots of great restaurants nearby--Walk home or to nearby neighborhoods--Check on each otherUse the following links to plan your exit from downtown Seattle:• Seahawks live-stream: www.seahawks.com• City of Seattle’s Alerts Blog: alerts.seattle.gov• King County Metro Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/ • Sound Transit Trip Planner: http://www.soundtransit.org/Trip-Planner• Community Transit: http://www.commtrans.org/tripplanner/• More parade questions and answers: http://alerts.seattle.gov/2014/02/04/prepping-for-the-parade/• Hashtag on social media: #Celebrate48

Seahawks fans trickling back into Seattle after weather snarls air travel

Seahawks fans trickling back into Seattle after weather snarls air travel

SEATTLE -- The countdown is on for Wednesday's huge Seahawks parade, but right now there are still a lot of fans trying to get back to Seattle from their Super Bowl weekend.

SEATTLE -- The countdown is on for Wednesday's huge Seahawks parade, but right now there are still a lot of fans trying to get back to Seattle from their Super Bowl weekend.

Up to 500,000 expected at Seahawks victory parade

Up to 500,000 expected at Seahawks victory parade

SEATTLE -- Police expect up to 500,000 people to turn out Wednesday in freezing temperatures to cheer the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks in a victory parade through downtown Seattle.

SEATTLE -- Police expect up to 500,000 people to turn out Wednesday in freezing temperatures to cheer the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks in a victory parade through downtown Seattle.

Russell Wilson on the Late Show with David Letterman

Russell Wilson on the Late Show with David Letterman

From Seahawks.com reporter Tony DrovettoNEW YORK (Seahawks.com) -- The day after Seahawks' Super Bowl win over the Denver Broncos, Quarterback Russell WIlson sat down for a conversation on the Late Show with David Letterman.One day after the Seahawks' dominating 43-8 Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos, second-year quarterback Russell Wilson sat down for a conversation on the Late Show with David Letterman.In these three videos, Wilson chats with Letterman about the team's mentality as they approached this past Sunday's big game, talks about what it was like going up against an NFL legend like Peyton Manning, recaps the club's postgame celebration at the team hotel in Jersey City, and calls out the tremendous support the team has received from the city of Seattle before tossing the football with the late-night host.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyD_Qg5JNo8&w=560&h=315]

From Seahawks.com reporter Tony DrovettoNEW YORK (Seahawks.com) -- The day after Seahawks' Super Bowl win over the Denver Broncos, Quarterback Russell WIlson sat down for a conversation on the Late Show with David Letterman.One day after the Seahawks' dominating 43-8 Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos, second-year quarterback Russell Wilson sat down for a conversation on the Late Show with David Letterman.In these three videos, Wilson chats with Letterman about the team's mentality as they approached this past Sunday's big game, talks about what it was like going up against an NFL legend like Peyton Manning, recaps the club's postgame celebration at the team hotel in Jersey City, and calls out the tremendous support the team has received from the city of Seattle before tossing the football with the late-night host.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyD_Qg5JNo8&w=560&h=315]

Seahawks parade to go down 4th Avenue to CenturyLink Field

Seahawks parade to go down 4th Avenue to CenturyLink Field

SEATTLE – The Seahawks are world champions and the 12th Man is just getting started with their celebrations.

SEATTLE – The Seahawks are world champions and the 12th Man is just getting started with their celebrations.

Sherman: The 49ers, not the Broncos, are 2nd-best team in NFL

Sherman: The 49ers, not the Broncos, are 2nd-best team in NFL

NEW YORK -- Richard Sherman said after the Super Bowl that the San Francisco 49ers -- not the Denver Broncos -- are the second-best team in the NFL, according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King on his MMQB blog.“The NFC Championship was the Super Bowl," Sherman said in an interview with King hours after the Seahawks crushed the Broncos 43-8. "The 49ers were the second-best team in the NFL.”To read the entire article, click here.

NEW YORK -- Richard Sherman said after the Super Bowl that the San Francisco 49ers -- not the Denver Broncos -- are the second-best team in the NFL, according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King on his MMQB blog.“The NFC Championship was the Super Bowl," Sherman said in an interview with King hours after the Seahawks crushed the Broncos 43-8. "The 49ers were the second-best team in the NFL.”To read the entire article, click here.

Seahawks crush Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII

Seahawks crush Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII

By Gary Klein, L.A. TimesSeattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll and his players spent two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl lauding the Denver Broncos, quarterback Peyton Manning and their seemingly unstoppable offense.However, privately Carroll and his players and staff believed a rout of the Broncos was possible.Actually, probable.On Sunday, in front of 85,529 at MetLife Stadium, the Seahawks made it happen, dominating Manning and the Broncos in every phase in a 43-8 victory."It happened exactly the way we pictured it," Carroll said.

By Gary Klein, L.A. TimesSeattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll and his players spent two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl lauding the Denver Broncos, quarterback Peyton Manning and their seemingly unstoppable offense.However, privately Carroll and his players and staff believed a rout of the Broncos was possible.Actually, probable.On Sunday, in front of 85,529 at MetLife Stadium, the Seahawks made it happen, dominating Manning and the Broncos in every phase in a 43-8 victory."It happened exactly the way we pictured it," Carroll said.