Seattle Seahawks' Jeremy Lane: Anthem snub support for Colin Kaepernick

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane elected to remain seated for the playing of the national anthem prior to Thursday night's preseason finale against the Oakland Raiders.

Lane said he came to the decision over the last week and was something he elected to do on his own. He said he wanted to show support for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has made similar gestures as a sign of protest through the preseason.

"I wasn't trying to say anything, just standing behind Kaepernick," Lane said after the game, via Gregg Bell of the News Tribune.

Lane was the only member of either team -- players, coaches or team personnel -- to remain seated for the anthem. Kaepernick has been subject to heated criticism since his choice to sit during the anthem last week. Lane understands that he could face similar vitriol for remaining seated on Thursday night.

"Yeah, I am prepared for it," Lane said. "I don't mean no disrespect to anybody but I'm just standing behind what I believe in."

Lane didn't elaborate extensively on his reasons for remaining seated. He said he doesn't have an existing relationship with Kaepernick and hadn't informed him of his intentions to sit, either. When asked if there was any greater intent to his decision, Lane said it was more a matter of supporting Kaepernick than anything else.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said his team has had discussions surrounding the topic with the players. He said that while Lane's choice was an individual one, the team has supported the individuals that make up their roster.

"Very interesting issues that we're dealing with right now," Carroll said. "Our team has been working at it and we've been in the process of communicating about a lot of stuff right now. That was an individual thing, but I'm really proud of the progress that we're making in the conversation and I look forward to continue it with our guys. It's really important to us to understand and to be smart about what we're doing and how we handle out business.

"We have a great group of guys that lead this team and they're going to help us as we move forward. I'm very much in support of them and how we handle it. This was an individual statement tonight," Carroll added. "The individuals in this program have always been very crucial to us and recognizing them. This is another time. We support our guys."

Kaepernick altered his protest on Thursday to taking a knee for the anthem instead of remaining seated. Teammate Eric Reid joined him in the gesture for Thursday night's game between the 49ers and San Diego Chargers. Lane said he intends to keep sitting for the anthem. Whether he will adjust to taking a knee as well remains uncertain.

"It's something I plan to keep on doing until I feel justice is being served," Lane said.