The Miami Dolphins decided to stay indoors during the national anthem and “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing” during the 2020 NFL season, and released a message Thursday calling for action rather than symbolic gestures in combating social and ethnic injustice and police brutality. .

The song “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing”, traditionally known as the Black National Anthem, is expected to be performed live or played before every match in the first week of the NFL, among other measures by the Association to identify victims of police brutality The Undefeated, an informed source, previously informed the league discussions.

“This attempt at unification only creates more division. So we will skip this song and dance, and as one team we will stay inside,” several Dolphins players gathered to say in a 2-minute 17-second video released Thursday. “We need changing hearts, not just a response to pressure. Enough, no more empty gestures. We need people with influence and pockets larger than our pockets to summon officials and display political power.”

Breaking news: TheEmbed a Tweet The players will stay inside for the national anthem. They express their displeasure at what they call “fluffy and hollow nods” before Embed a Tweet pic.twitter.com/ghUktHhPt9

– Jay Williams (@ RealJayWilliams) 10 September 2020

In the video, several Dolphins players – both blacks and whites – speak of a desire for prison reform, justice against police brutality, asking owners to actively participate in helping bring about change, and in recognition of the millions of dollars that were exchanged in the NFL’s decision to start playing the anthem. Patriotism ahead of matches, and the desire to use their voices to make a difference instead of just silence and play.

“We don’t need another teaser,” one veteran said Bobby McCain He said. “If I speak for change, I will shut up and play.”

Full back Elandon Roberts He added: “If my father was a soldier but the police killed my brother, would I stand to sing one and kneel to the other?”

At the end of the video, Dolphins coach Brian Flores is shown supporting his players and providing a long-standing message: “Before the media starts questioning and guessing, they answer all your questions. We’ll just stay inside.”