ECU discussing protest by band members during anthem

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) East Carolina athletic director Jeff Compher says his department is working with the university and the school of music after several band members kneeled in protest while others performed the national anthem before last week's game against Central Florida.

Compher said in a statement Monday that there have been ''ongoing conversations'' between the music and athletic departments and the university and says he's ''confident that there will be a positive resolution'' in the future.

Fans booed the protestors after the anthem was completed, and Chancellor Cecil Staton quickly issued a statement affirming the band members' right to express themselves.

Coach Scottie Montgomery, who was in the locker room with his team during the anthem, says he was made aware of the situation and trusts the university to handle it properly.