Robert Quinn and his teammate Kenny Britt raised their fists in a silent protest during the national anthem prior to the start of a game between their Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.

Quinn, a former UNC defensive lineman, explained his choice to reporters after the game:

“Just standing up for my rights.  Everyone knows the whole situation. Long story short, [Rams Head Coach Jeff] Fisher asked us to stand. So I respect him enough to do that. But at least to show awareness, raise my fist, show support out there that you have support throughout the league. I didn’t want to try to distract the team; just want to have my right of freedom.”

 

Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers quarterback who started the movement of NFL players using the anthem as a platform for protest, took a knee on the other sideline.  Kaepernick was joined by his teammate, Eric Reid.  After the anthem, the quarterback was greeted with hugs and handshakes from several of his teammates.  Two other 49ers, Antone Bethea and Eli Harold, stood with raised fists during the anthem.

Robert Quinn played two seasons in Chapel Hill.  He earned second-team All American honors as a sophomore in 2009.  The NCAA ruled him ineligible for the 2010 season.  The Rams selected Quinn in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2011.  Quinn earned trips to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014.

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