Ravens-Jaguars show solidarity in London against Trump

Sep 24, 2017 - 3:32 PM In an ironic twist on history, Sunday's NFL games jumped out to a dramatic start as players for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens, before their contest in London's Wembley Stadium, showed their solidarity in response to controversial remarks made by President Donald Trump.

Some players took a knee and others, including Jaguars owner Shad Khan and coaches for both teams, linked arms during the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." However, every player on each team stood for "God Save the Queen," the national anthem of Britain.

Ravens players taking a knee included starters Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley, Za'Darius Smith, Mike Wallace, Tony Jefferson, Anthony Levine and Lardarius Webb.

Jaguars players taking a knee were Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler.

"We recognize our players' influence," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. "We respect their demonstration and support them 100 percent. All voices need to be heard. That's democracy in its highest form."

Khan's stand of solidarity on the field with his Jaguars players was particularly notable because he was one of seven NFL owners who donated $1 million towards Trump's campaign. However, the Pakistan native later ripped Trump in February for his attempted travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.

On Saturday, Jaguars spokesman Jim Woodcock said Khan would not have a separate statement regarding Trump's comments over the weekend, adding, "Commissioner Goodell's statement speaks for Mr. Khan and the Jaguars."

Trump's comments lashed out at former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and all other NFL players who demonstrate against civil rights issues by kneeling during pre-game playing of the anthem.

"We're proud of our country. We respect our flag," Trump said to loud applause at a political rally in Huntsville, Ala., on Friday night. "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. He's fired! He's fired!'"

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, showing rare agreement, fired back at what they both called "divisive" remarks.

Said Goodell: "The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. There is no better example than the amazing response from our clubs and players to the terrible natural disasters we've experienced over the last month.

"Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities."