NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Oakland Raiders linebackers Bruce Irvin and Malcolm Smith raised their right fists to join the growing protest against social injustice during the national anthem prior to their 17-10 victory at the Tennessee Titans.
And while Smith said he did not initially plan on raising his fist and Irvin was not available for comment, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said he wished the players had let him know beforehand.
“We thought about it, but are you ready to take a stance on something where you’re going to get a lot of backlash, obviously?