MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Another NFL season, another protest of racial injustice during the national anthem.
Just before the start of Thursday night's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, two Miami Dolphins players knelt on the sideline and another raised a fist in the air.
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Wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson took a knee, possibly setting off a new war of words between NFL players, fans divided between their love for football and their love for their country and even President Donald Trump.
Stills has routinely knelt for the anthem during his time with the team.
"Being a part of this protest hasn't been easy," Stills told reporters in the locker room after the game. "You know, I thought I was going to be by myself out there, and tonight I had an angel with me with Albert being out there. I'm grateful that he sees what's happening, and he wants to stand up and do something about it as well."
Wilson signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins this offseason. He spent his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dolphins defensive end Robert Quinn raised his right fist during the anthem. Quinn joined Miami this offseason in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.
Team owner Stephen Ross has said he would like his players to stand for the anthem, and the NFL recently suspended its rule regarding anthem protests until the league and players union can come to terms on a policy.