Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills praises U.S. fencing champion who took a knee during national anthem
On Friday, three American fencers won gold at the Pan American Games in Peru – and one of them chose to use his platform to advocate for social change.
Race Imboden took a knee during the playing of the United States national anthem after receiving his medal, joining the likes of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and USWNT superstar Megan Rapinoe who have made the move in the past.
"We must call for change," Imboden said in a Twitter post on Friday. He listed racism, gun control and the treatment of immigrants among the "multiple shortcomings" he sees in the U.S. today.
and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.
I chose to sacrifie my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019
On Monday, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, who has knelt during the national anthem at NFL games previously and has said he will continue to do so, took to Instagram to praise Imboden's move.
Stills reposted the photo used on Imboden's Twitter account and quoted his message after thanking him for his "strength [and] bravery."
A post shared by Kenny Stills (@kstills) on Aug 10, 2019 at 4:02pm PDT
Stills recently spoke out against Dolphins team owner Stephen Ross's financial support of President Trump. Ross hosted a reelection fundraiser for the president in New York last week.
Over the weekend, Stills posted a photo of himself kneeling with the caption "peaceful warrior." He has faced backlash for speaking out about Ross and Trump but has said he stands by his comments.
