3 more Worcester football players kneel with teammate during the national anthem
"I believe that there will be a change for the better."
When Mike Oppong took a knee during the national anthem Friday night, he didn’t know his protest was about to grow by a multitude of four.
Oppong, a junior defensive back for Worcester’s Doherty Memorial High School, had knelt by himself the previous game and was briefly threatened with a one-game suspension.
A week later, the 16-year-old repeated the demonstration—which he says is an act of protest against pervasive racism—and this time he was joined by three teammates.
#Doherty Anthem protester Mike Oppong w/support, Nyuane, Mitchell, Taylor @worcesterpublic @tgsports @telegramdotcom pic.twitter.com/ThT5O6PBwo
— Steve Lanava (@SteveLanava) September 17, 2016
“It showed how much support they have for me,” Oppong told Boston.com on Monday.
Oppong said that one of his teammates, Joseph Bolay, a senior, told him ahead of time that he would also take a knee. However, he didn’t know senior Devaughn Mitchell and junior Devon Taylor would also join.
“[Mitchell and Taylor] didn’t say anything about it before the game,” Oppong said. “They just knelt with me.”
As the Worcester Telegram reported, the “vast majority” of the 50 member Doherty Memorial team stood.
The Highlanders went on to win their game against Holy Name Central Catholic by a score of 34-28, with Oppong scoring the deciding touchdown on a 72-yard interception return.
Oppong told Boston.com last week that his demonstration was inspired by that of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has said he won’t stand during the anthem in protest of racial injustice in the United States, particularly the disproportionate use of force against black people.
Kaepernick’s protest, controversial in certain circles, has since spread across the NFL, as well as into other sports. During a U.S. women’s national team match Friday, midfielder Megan Rapinoe took a knee in solidarity with Kaepernick, spurring divisions among soccer fans and commentators.
Oppong says the demonstration is about raising awareness and remains optimistic.
“I believe that there will be a change for the better,” he said.
After his initial protest during Doherty Memorial’s season opener September 9, Oppong said he was told he would be suspended.
While Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Binienda said the 16-year-old was never formally suspended, Oppong said it was his coach who had delivered him the news.
However, after tweeting the news—sparking attention on social media—Oppong said the suspension was overturned. The latter tweet garnered more than 5,000 retweets.
Thanks to all your love and support my suspension of 1 game has been terminated! pic.twitter.com/a8RB9c200N
— Michael Oppong (@ShowtimeMO2) September 12, 2016
Following Friday’s game, Binienda commended both the players and the fans.
“Everybody was peaceful,” she told the Telegram. “Those kids who decided not to stand, kneeled, but it was peaceful. The people in the stands were respectful. It was great.”
Oppong says the feedback he’s personally received since starting the protest has also been positive.
“Everyone is really proud of me for showing bravery and courage in standing up for what I believe,” he said.
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