Mark Twain once said, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” Bruce Maxwell, a catcher for the Oakland Athletics became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the playing of the National Anthem in Saturday’s game in Oakland, California according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser.
The product of a military family, Maxwell placed his hand on his heart and faced the flag during the anthem while taking a knee before the game against Texas. Teammate Mark Canha placed his hand on Maxwell’s shoulder.
Maxwell’s social media feed has been preoccupied with our unpopular President Donald Trump’s racist attacks on black athletes like Colin Kaepernick and their attempts to peacefully protest inequalities present in our country.
Maxwell’s agent, Matt Sosnick, confirmed this Saturday evening, saying via text: “Bruce's father is a proud military lifer. Anyone who knows Bruce or his parents is well aware that the Maxwells’ love and appreciation for our country is indisputable.
“Bruce has made it clear that he is taking a stand about what he perceives as racial injustices in this country, and his personal disappointment with President Trump's response to a number of professional athletes' totally peaceful, non-violent protests
The Oakland Athletics organization sent out this statement of support as well.
There are more real patriots in our country than there are frightened white supremacists. You can take that to the bank.