A's Maxwell to stand during anthem this year
Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell released a statement Tuesday saying he intends to no longer kneel for the national anthem.
Maxwell, whose father is a U.S. Army veteran, became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel for the anthem prior to a home game against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 23, 2017. He continued to do so through the remainder of the season with the support of the Athletics and his teammates, particularly Mark Canha, who would stand by Maxwell's side with his hand on the backstop's shoulder.
"Taking a knee during the National Anthem last season was not a decision I made lightly," Maxwell's statement reads, via Julian McWilliams of The Athletic. "As a member of a military family, I respect the sacrifices of the men and women who served and continue to serve our country.
"The purpose of the gesture was to raise awareness about social issues affecting our country, and while I'm looking forward to a society that is inclusive, empathetic and a welcoming place, I will not continue the symbolic gesture of taking a knee during our National Anthem this season."
Maxwell, 27, is coming off a tumultuous offseason that included an October arrest in Arizona after he allegedly pointed a gun at a female food delivery person. He was booked on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Maxwell said he couldn't comment on the situation as it is an ongoing case.
Officially a rookie in 2017 (he debuted and played 33 games in 2016), Maxwell hit .237 with three home runs and 22 RBIs for the A's last season.
--Field Level Media
