Stand for the national anthem, or else.
That’s the message leaders of a small college in Denver have told their student-athletes, according to TMZ Sports. Jeff Hunt, a spokesman for Colorado Christian University, says “all athletes must stand for the National Anthem and prayer before a game or sporting event.”
Jeff Hunt is the Director of Colorado Christian University’s Centennial Institute, a self-described think tank that “works to enhance public understanding of the most important issues relating to faith, family, and freedom.”
Hunt doesn’t believe kneeling for the national anthem is an effective way to raise awareness for any cause. “Unfortunately, refusing to stand during the National Anthem dilutes the message of the protestors and portrays disrespect towards our country, all who are serving it, and our veterans,” he said to TMZ.
The private school of just over 7,000 students didn’t specify what disciplinary actions would be taken against its student-athletes if any were to follow in the footsteps of kneeling NFL players.