Miami Dolphins

Police union urges sheriffs not to escort Dolphins to stadium over anthem protest

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

A Miami-area police union has  asked the Broward Sheriff’s Office not to escort Dolphins players to home games until they stand for the national anthem. 

“We’ve asked the deputies and the Broward Sheriff’s Office not to do the details anymore,” local union president Jeffery Bell told the Miami Herald. 

Four Dolphins players—Running back Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas—kneeled during the national anthem before last week’s game in Seattle, joining several other players across the league. The practice began with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began sitting (and later kneeling) for the national anthem to protest police brutality. 

Bell said that the players forfeit their right to freedom of speech while playing in the NFL. 

“I respect their right to have freedom of speech. However, in certain organizations and certain jobs you give up that right of your freedom of speech temporary while you serve that job or while you play in an NFL game,” he said. 

• Malcolm Jenkins: Eagles planning protest during national anthem

Jenkins wrote in an essay for TIME that he will stand for the anthem this week, but Foster said he plans to continue kneeling. 

The Dolphins play in New England on Sunday and have their home opener against the Browns next week. 

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from Miami Dolphins Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Miami Dolphins

National Football League