Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the national anthem again on Thursday, but this time it was a little different. She did it while playing for the U.S. National Team.
Rapinoe began taking a knee during the national anthem with her club team, the Seattle Reign, as a show of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and his desire to raise the discussion on racial oppression in the U.S. Originally, she had said that she would take a knee even while playing for the U.S., but then was reconsidering.
Some had argued that doing so while representing her country would be hypocritical, however advocating that the U.S. can and should do better so it can live up to the promise it makes all of its citizens is a rather strong statement of patriotism.
"That's to be determined at this point," Ellis told the ESPN broadcast. "We haven't gone there. But I think the way I am and how I'm wired it's going to warrant a conversation and then a determination of which direction, in terms of how I want to play this out."
After the match, U.S. Soccer released the following statement.
"Representing your country is a privilege and honor for any player or coach that is associated with U.S. Soccer's National Teams. Therefore, our national anthem has particular significance for U.S. Soccer. In front of national and often global audiences, the playing of our national anthem is an opportunity for our Men's and Women's National Team players and coaches to reflect upon the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country. As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor the flag while the national anthem is played."
Updated at 10:31 p.m. ET with U.S. Soccer's statement
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