Multiple Lansing-Area High School Football Players Kneel During National Anthem

Week seven of the high school football season in Michigan is usually the beginning of the chase to the playoffs and the 6-win plateau. Multiple players in the Lansing-area had a different conversation on their mind as they took the field on Friday.

Four Lansing Catholic players took a knee on the goal line where the Cougars were lined up for the national anthem before their homecoming game against Ionia. There were reports that "consequences" would come about for any player that knelt during the national anthem.

Those consequences came about in playing time being docked.

Of the four players seen above kneeling. Kabbash Richards (#81) and Roje Williams (#80) were benched for the first drive from each team. Richards first snap came at outside linebacker in the 2nd Ionia drive. Richards lined up at wide receiver when Catholic got the ball after their first drive.

Quarterback Michael Lynn III (#10) was benched until the second quarter and when he did see the field it was only as a QB. Lynn III also plays in the Catholic secondary, though he got no field time there in this game. Lynn in three quarters of work threw a touchdown and ran for two more as he accounted for over 200 yards of offense between passing and rushing.

The last player Matthew Abdullah (#1) was benched through the entire first half. He saw snaps rotating in the wide receiver positions as the second half went on.

According to one of the players from the Lansing Catholic team who knelt, the display was about racial inequality and police brutality not a demonstration against the flag or anthem in any regard.

Lansing Catholic won the game against Ionia 33-18.

Three Okemos Chieftain players also knelt during the anthem before their game against the Jackson Vikings.

Players from Jackson knelt during the national anthem in their game lat week at Grand Ledge as well. According to a witness at the scene, chants of "U.S.A." came from the home side of the field as well during last week's games.

Jackson won the game on a last second touchdown 25-24 over Okemos.