From [HERE] The Raiders running back remained seated on a cooler while eating a banana as his teammates and coaches stood during the national anthem prior to the team’s Saturday night preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Lynch’s decision came in the wake of a violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va. earlier in the day where three people, including two police officers, were killed.

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio told reporters after the game he was surprised by Lynch’s decision, and had a conversation with the veteran running back who had left the locker room before reporters were able to speak with him.

“He said, ‘This is something I have done for 11 years. It’s not a form of anything other than me being myself,’ ” Del Rio said. “I said, ‘So you understand how I feel, I very strongly believe in standing for the national anthem. But I respect you as a man and you can do your thing.’ [MORE]