Oakland

Raiders Join National Anthem Protest Movement for First Time

Across the Bay in Oakland, the first members of the "Silver and Black" have decided to join the national anthem protest movement.

As first reported by CSN Bay Area's Scott Bair, the linebacker duo of Malcolm Smith and Bruce Irvin raised their fists into the air while the Star-Spangled Banner echoed throughout Nissan Stadium in Tennessee Sunday afternoon as part of the growing movement to raise awareness for racial injustice around the country.

Smith told reporters after Oakland's 17-10 win over the Titans that his choice proved to a be a spur of the moment decision.

"In the moment, it happened," he said after the game. "Hopefully it gets a conversation started but, at the same time, I don't feel like anyone should take it as disrespect."

Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio expressed support for the linebackers' decision, but did mention that he wished the duo would have brought up their plans with the squad prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff, according to Bair.

"As I said earlier when (Colin Kaepernick's protests) started, I respect everybody's opinion to express themselves," Del Rio said after the game. "We as Americans have that right. I just would like to see us as a team do things together and united."

Smith apologized to Del Rio for not forewarning the Raiders about the decision, but the Oakland head coach reassured Smith that the organization backs its players, according to Bair.

Irvin chose not to address the media after the game, Bair reported.

Since Kaepernick ignited the national anthem protest during the third week of the preseason one month ago, scores of players from around the NFL have joined in by either hoisting their arms into the air or dropping to one knee during the playing of the national anthem. Players from 14 out of the league's 32 teams performed some form of protest Sunday during Week 3 play, according to ESPN.

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