PORTLAND, Ore. -- Several Lincoln High School football players took a knee and raised their fists during the national anthem before their game against Madison Friday night. A few cheerleaders also participated in the protest.
Lincoln high football players take a knee and fists raised during National Anthem #FridayNightFlights @KGWSports pic.twitter.com/CB4YR6yAfh
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) October 1, 2016
Lincoln head coach Wes Warren said his players asked for his permission before taking part in the protest.
"PPS believes in the First Amendment so even before PPS sent a letter, our guys came and asked for my permission, which they didn't need to do," Warren said. "I believe in the First Amendment and so does everyone on our team. Everyone's got the right to protest peacefully and that's what this country is about."
The demonstration comes after several professional athletes, most notably San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, did the same in a silent protest against racial injustice.
High school players across the country have participated in the protest throughout the season.
Lincoln won the game 40-16, putting them in sole possession of first place in the PIL.