OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler knelt during the national anthem along with several of his players before first pitch of a 6-2 exhibition win against the Athletics in Oakland.
Right fielder Jaylin Davis and first base coach Antoan Richardson also took a knee, with shortstop Brandon Crawford standing between them with a hand on each of their shoulders.
Davis held his right hand over his heart and Richardson clasped his hands in front of him.
Kapler shared his plans to kneel during the anthem with the team earlier Monday, according to ESPN, telling the team they would be supported by the Giants no matter what they decided to do.
"I wanted them to know that I wasn't pleased with the way our country has handled police brutality, and I told them I wanted to amplify their voices and I wanted to amplify the voice of the Black community and marginalized communities as well," Kapler said,according to ESPN.
President Trump tweeted shortly after, saying he was looking forward to the return of sports, "but any time I witness a player kneeling during the National Anthem, a sign of great disrespect for our Country and our Flag, the game is over for me!"
Looking forward to live sports, but any time I witness a player kneeling during the National Anthem, a sign of great disrespect for our Country and our Flag, the game is over for me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2020
