Controversy Over Marshawn’s Lynch Sitting Out During US National Anthem But Standing Of The Mexican One

Mexico seems to have gained a new ally during the weekend and from the most unlikely of places. Last Sunday the New England Patriots faced the Oakland Raiders at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, what seemed to catch the attention of most viewers though, was not the overwhelming victory of the Patriots who completely pummeled the California team; what really made the headlines was Marshawn’s Lynch alleged decision to sit down the U.S. national anthem and stand for the Mexican one.

The Raiders running back has been sitting out the U.S. national anthem since coming back from retirement this season, but his supposed decision to stand for Mexico’s anthem has really raised multiple eyebrows who view this more like a sort of treason and not a symbol of solidarity between neighboring countries, other also perceived ‘Beast Mode’s’ protest to be a personal lash out against President Donald Trump disguised as a protest against racism.

The incident was captured by Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin who tweeted pictures of Lynch’s protest stunt, some witnesses, however, have claimed that the reason why the running back was standing during the Mexican anthem was that he was getting prepped for equipment by the coaching staff and was the same reason he seated out his country’s anthem as well, even though sitting out the American anthem has now become habitual for the 31-year-old player.

Whether his actions were intentional or not, which we don’t know because Lynch hasn’t made any comments about the situation.  However, the Internet and media have already started taking sides and the running back has drawn both scorn and support from all of them.

It’s not a secret that the Superbowl champion has a deep appreciation of Mexican culture, he has often Tweeted messages in Spanish for the Mexican and Latino fanbase of the Oakland Raiders, and this appreciation has been judged as misguided by many in the country who believe that Mexico’s human rights situation is indefensible and that the running back should have stayed there instead of returning to the country of his employment.

Others, however, have celebrated Lynch’s actions and perceived his standing during the anthem of the country that is hosting the game as a sign of respect and that his personal protest against the heated race relations of the U.S. doesn’t mean that he can’t stand for the anthem of an allied country, because despite the recent disrupt in both countries relationship, Mexico is still one of our country’s bigger trade partners not to mention neighbors.

This game that the Patriots won 33-8, marked Mexico’s third NFL regular season game that has been played in the country, 77,357 fans from both teams packed the Estadio Azteca to cheer the players and celebrate their festive 20 de Noviembre weekend.

Article inspired by Daily Mail // Marshawn Lynch sits for the Star Spangled Banner but stands for the Mexican national anthem as Raiders play Patriots south of the border