Seahawks fans react to Bennett’s anthem protest

Following the violent, racist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett said he will not stand for the national anthem before a game.

RELATED: Bennett tells CNN he’s not protesting the flag

Bennett recently explained his stance on CNN:

I won’t stand until I feel like everything’s equal,” Bennett said. “I won’t stand until everybody has justice. I won’t stand until everybody has freedom, the thing that America’s built on. I’m not protesting the flag.

What do fans at training camp think about his political stand?

“He has some very valid points,” said Bellingham’s Beverly Drost. “We need to figure out what to do in this country for equality. The hate lately, it’s just like, where did that come from? It’s got to go. These people are racists, they’re terrorists. They have no right to hold us hostage by their hate. For him to speak out against that, absolutely.  But I would like him to stand. It’s still America with all its flaws. For that I want him to stand. But I understand why he doesn’t and I support his causes.”

“I think it brings more awareness to it and I think that’s a good thing,” said another fan. “It’s better than our population being ignorant of the issue.”

“I think it was terrible because he’s an American and I think we should all stand for our flag and our national anthem,” a man in the stands said. “They’re Americans, they have every right to voice their opinion, but I don’t think that was the place to do it. Let them join organizations, get in the political arena. But not on the field, that’s not what they’re here for.”

Here’s Seahawks linebacker, Kache Palacio:

“I honestly think it’s a great thing because you’re on a pedestal and people actually listen to you. It’s a powerful meaning coming from a person with a certain standpoint in a certain position. It’s a very powerful meaning.”

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