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Oakland Athletics' Bruce Maxwell becomes first MLB player to kneel during national anthem

By The Sports Xchange
Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first major league baseball player to kneel during the national anthem Saturday night as he joined a protest against racial injustice. Photo courtesy of Santiago Mejia/Twitter
Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first major league baseball player to kneel during the national anthem Saturday night as he joined a protest against racial injustice. Photo courtesy of Santiago Mejia/Twitter

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first major league baseball player to kneel during the national anthem Saturday night as he joined a protest against racial injustice that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began last season.

Maxwell is an African American who was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, when his father, Bruce, was stationed there with the Army during a tour of duty.

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Maxwell posted a strong response on Instagram opposing President Donald Trump's recent criticism of NFL players who kneel during the anthem.

A's outfielder Mark Canha placed a hand on Maxwell's shoulder during the anthem before their game against the Texas Rangers at the Oakland Coliseum, then hugged him when it ended.

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