Report: Bengals considering unified protest during national anthem in Week 1

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly mulling whether to stage a demonstration during the national anthem.

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The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly considering a demonstration during the national anthem before Sunday’s Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers to make a statement on standing against racial injustice.

Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported no final decision has been made:

“Multiple sources within the organization informed The Enquirer that the Bengals have had internal discussions about staying in the locker room or kneeling during the national anthem before Sunday’s game kicks off at Paul Brown Stadium.”

The news comes on the heels of the team’s march to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, where Trey Hopkins and Joe Burrow issued heartfelt statements about the team’s unified front on these topics.

The Bengals, like the rest of the NFL, have dramatically changed their tune on demonstrations during the anthem in recent months. The arrival of the outspoken Burrow — who isn’t afraid to use his platform — and other veteran leaders is presumably a big part of the reason for the shift in Cincinnati.

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