Why this photo of NFL cheerleaders has caused controversy
A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader continues to cause a major stir in America.
On November 1, the cheerleader took a knee during the national anthem ahead of the team’s matchup with the Oakland Raiders.
She was later identified as Kayla Morris of Antioch, California, a second-year member of the 49ers’ Gold Rush cheer squad.
Morris declined to discuss protest
Both Morris and the 49ers declined media requests to discuss her kneeling, and some wondered if the act of protest would cost Morris her spot on the team.
It did not.
On Monday (local time), the 49ers had a second-consecutive prime time matchup on “Monday Night Football”, a loss to the New York Giants.
Morris back on the field, kneels again
Morris was on the field with her Gold Rush teammates prior to the game, and for the second-straight game, she took a knee during the national anthem.
While fans in the stands noticed her kneeling the first time, professional Getty photographers were ready to snap a closeup on Monday.
Morris is the first known NFL cheerleader to take on the stance of NFL players who have knelt during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and social injustice.
Her protest Monday took place the day after Veterans Day as the NFL has spent the week celebrating the US military.
The timing drew the ire of critics who associate player protests with a form of disrespect of the military.
@49ers Kayla Morris should be fired . This weekend was about giving thanks to the men and women who served for country and died for this country to protect our freedom . She needs to be fired !!!!
— Eddie Angeles (@EddieAngeles11) November 13, 2018
Second week in a row @49ers. Why are you employing a cheerleader who kneels for our anthem? Especially during a #VeteransDay2018 celebration? pic.twitter.com/iTXawqbzZs
— goodWILLbarking (@BarkingOff) November 13, 2018
Looks like the @49ers cheerleader was kneeling again…@espn kept that camera zoomed all the way out SMH…
— CWILL (@cwdaphotog) November 13, 2018
Kayla Morris of the 49ers should be fired for taking a knee. There are probably a lot of other cheerleaders who would want to be in her position as a cheerleader who actually #respects the #team, and #country. #norespectforkneelers. @49ers — its not the first time either.
— Megan Conley (@girl_from_nj) November 13, 2018
However some commended her on her brave stance.
Kayla Morris is braver than the most muscled up men in football uniform ✊🏾 #TakeAKnee
— Chris evans first wife (@hologramshana) November 4, 2018
#KaylaMorris continues to make us proud. @49ers
— Puff Zaddy (@CHilla415) November 13, 2018
Kayla Morris you are a hero.
Thank you. 💕💕👏👏
— RH317 (@raech317) November 4, 2018
Protests have nothing to do with military
Players have made clear that their protests have nothing to do with the military, but are intended to promote change that is needed to achieve a more just society.
The national anthem and American flag are associated with the US military, but both symbols represent much more.
They stand for the nation as a whole, military and civilian, and players have chosen the platform to raise awareness of wrongs that plague US society.
The 49ers have declined to make an active statement on Morris’ kneeling.
The fact that she remains on the team and remains kneeling is a tacit acknowledgement from the 49ers that they are not standing in her way.
