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Los Angeles Rams: Robert Quinn’s national anthem moment explained

By Greg Archuleta

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 02: Defensive end Robert Quinn #94 of the Los Angeles Rams holds up his fist during the national anthem prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 02: Defensive end Robert Quinn #94 of the Los Angeles Rams holds up his fist during the national anthem prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Robert Quinn’s Kaepernick moment revealed his intentions

Linebacker Robert Quinn’s “Kaepernick” moment came without much fanfare during the Los Angeles Rams‘ exhibition opener. Quinn chose the playing of the national anthem to express himself. No, the Rams linebacker did not sit during the anthem.

Instead, the veteran raised a fist, the Los Angeles Times reported. He had done the same on occasion last season. The linebacker said this about the moment and what it meant overall:

"“It’s not to cause a scene,” Quinn said Monday after practice. “To me, it’s more awareness and a sense don’t forget where you come from.”"

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Colin Kaepernick’s original protest came during the 2016 preseason. A reporter’s photo captured Kaepernick sitting during an Aug. 26, 2016 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Niners Nation reported.

The report also explained Kaepernick had been sitting during the anthem all preseason. The Packers game represented the first time anyone from the media reported on it.

In light of the Kaepernick moment controversy, Quinn discussed his intentions with Rams coach Sean McVay before the game. The linebacker did not want to cause a distraction.

The LA Times reported that McVay wanted to make sure Quinn would stand with his teammates during the anthem. The coach did allow Quinn to make his own statement. McVay also said:

"I’ve got a lot of respect for what the national anthem represents for our country but everybody has their own reasons or certain beliefs. I think you want to be respectful and mindful of that but I think we want to allow guys to express themselves in whatever way they see fit."

Quinn furthered his point when talking to the LA Times:

"“It’s… not only just a stance but an appreciation to honestly the ancestors that made the way for and gave opportunities for me and others that came along the way,” Quinn said. “It’s more of an appreciation and a stance that not all has been forgotten.”"

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As a result, Quinn’s demonstration came and went without controversy while giving him the platform he wanted.

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