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. I just like what he's doing."

Kaepernick has been at the center of controversy for much of the last week after people noticed he’d been sitting during the anthem. Kaepernick has said he won’t "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

Lane hadn’t spoken publicly about Kaepernick’s protest, and he was the only player on the Seahawks’ sideline to sit during the anthem Thursday night.

Asked if he had told anyone of his plans, Lane told reporters, "I didn't tell anyone I was going to do it,  just did it."

Lane said he will continue to sit during the anthem until he feels the message had made its point.





Soon after he did so, Richard Sherman sat next to him and the two appeared to have a conversation.



Sherman said earlier this week that he understood Kaepernick’s message, but didn’t necessarily agree with the platform he chose.

A few minutes later, somebody hung an American flag behind the Seahawks' bench.