Sports

US Women's Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Protests The National Anthem

Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the national anthem Sunday as "a little nod" to Colin Kaepernick.

US Women's Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Protests The National Anthem
Getty Images / Harry How
SMS

Looks like NFL star Colin Kaepernick isn't the only professional athlete protesting the national anthem.

Before Sunday's matchup between the Seattle Reign and the Chicago Red Stars, U.S. Women's National Soccer Team player Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the national anthem.

She told American Soccer Now after the game: "It was very intentional. It was a little nod to Kaepernick and everything that he's standing for right now."

SEE MORE: Police Who Work Security At 49ers Games Aren't Happy With Kaepernick

"We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country," Rapinoe continued.

And she later added on Twitter, "It's the least I can do. Keep the conversation going."

Kaepernick, who plays for the San Francisco 49ers, refused to stand for the national anthem before multiple games this season.

The quarterback told reporters the gesture was to protest racial injustice and minority oppression.

"This country stands for freedom, liberty, justice for all. And it's not happening for all right now," Kaepernick told the media.

But Kaepernick's protest isn't the only cause Rapinoe has publicly advocated for.

She has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights and equal pay. She even helped file a federal complaint accusing U.S. Soccer of wage discrimination.

And she's often used her Twitter account as a platform for her opinions and political views.

Like Kaepernick, Rapinoe has gotten some backlash for her decision. It's unclear if she'll kneel during the national anthem before future games as well.