‘Honour their meaning:’ CFL responds to anthem protest

The conversation over football players protesting the American national anthem continues with the Canadian Football League weighing in.

The CFL’s statement comes a day after the Saskatchewan Roughriders linked arms during the national anthem at a game in Regina.

The league released a statement Monday:

“We cherish our anthem because of the values it has come to represent. One of those values is freedom of expression. Regardless of whether we liked it or agreed with it, we would absolutely respect our players’ right to express their views in this way, which is peaceful and does not disrupt our game in any way. If the words ‘true north strong and free’ are to be truly celebrated, we must honour their meaning, not just their singing. We say this in a sincere and heartfelt attempt to be faithful to those who over the years have fought and sacrificed for our freedom by supporting, in the present day, the exercise of that freedom.”

Roughriders support their players

The Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club also issued a statement in regards to their players.

“Prior to Sunday’s Canadian Football League game, Saskatchewan Roughrider players chose to stand arm-in-arm during the national anthem as a sign of unity.

Our players and coaches stood together, side by side, locked arm-in-arm as teammates, as co-workers, and as friends as a sign of solidarity and in support of human equality.

As an organization, we stand alongside our players and support their individual right to freedom of speech and their beliefs.”