Raiders’ Marshawn Lynch sits during anthem before Cowboys game

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch remained seated during the national anthem before Saturday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Lynch was mostly hidden on the back of the sideline, in front of a table holding jugs of Gatorade. Multiple members of the Raiders’ staff stood beside and in front of Lynch in an apparent effort to shield him from cameras.

Lynch has sat during the anthem in the Raiders’ two previous preseason games and had said he’s not protesting anything. Lynch says he’s often remained seated for the anthem during his career.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick declined to stand for the anthem with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 to raise awareness for how he says the United States oppresses black people and people of color. Some fans have taken issue with his stance and many believe Kaepernicks’s politics are why no NFL team has signed him for the ’17 season.

This story was originally published August 26, 2017 at 7:35 PM with the headline "Raiders’ Marshawn Lynch sits during anthem before Cowboys game."