Written by Kevin Spain at USA Today.com
Gyree Durante, a backup quarterback for Division III Albright College, was kicked off the team after kneeling during the national anthem for the second week in a row.
The university acknowledged the decision in a statement.
Durante told NBC10 in Philadelphia that he did it as a protest against social injustices and racism in the country.
“At some point in life, there’s going to be a time when you’ve got to take a stand,” Durante told the TV station. “For me it just happened to be on Saturday afternoon.
“I was just taught you fight for what you believe in and you don’t bow to anyone. I believe heavily in this. So I decided to fight for it.”
Albright released a statement saying that Durante’s actions went against what the team had decided to do.
“Prior to the football game against Delaware Valley University on Saturday, Oct. 7, and upon the recommendation of the team’s leadership council, which is comprised of 24 student-athletes selected annually by team members, the football team made a team-wide decision to both kneel during the coin toss and stand during the National Anthem,” the statement read. “This action, which was supported by the coaching staff, was created as an expression of team unity and out of the mutual respect team members have for one another and the value they place on their differences. It was established as a way to find common ground in a world with many differing views.
“The team agreed to uphold the council decision, with the understanding that there may be consequences for those who choose not to support the team. One football player, unbeknownst to the coach and the team, chose not to support the decision of the leadership council and team. He has been dismissed from the team, but remains a valued member of the Albright College student body.”
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