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Former Florida LB Jelani Jenkins plans to stand for national anthem
By Jason Hall
Published:
Former Florida and current Miami Dolphins linebacker Jelani Jenkins took a knee during the national anthem Sunday, but said he is ready to stand with his teammates again.
Through Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Jenkins wrote an opinion column in Time magazine in which he claimed to have done his part in starting the conversation on social injustice.
“Now that the conversation has begun, on Sunday, Sept. 18 I intend to stand united with my teammates and the Miami Dolphins organization during the national anthem, which I have done since my arrival in 2013. God Bless you all.”
Jenkins took a knee during the anthem last week alongside three teammates: former Tennessee running back Arian Foster, wide receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas.
Jenkins also wrote that he was following a similar path to his great grandfather, Esau Jenkins, who fought for equal rights in Charleston, S.C., and will soon be honored in a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Jenkins added:
“I have the utmost love and respect for those who risk their lives and died serving this country. Several of my close family members have served in the military. I do not have an ounce of hate in my body and absolutely have no intentions to disrespect the military. I come from a spirit of love and I aim to unite — not divide. This is not about football, the flag, the military, or Jelani Jenkins. This is about the message: equality for all.”
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
