Some 49ers players kneel during national anthem

Seven San Francisco 49ers players knelt during the national anthem ahead of their game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, though that number was smaller than in past weeks, USA Today reported.

The team has been at the forefront of the controversy over players who kneel during the anthem. Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem last season to protest racial inequality.

{mosads}

Vice President Pence walked out of an Indianapolis Colts game against the 49ers last week after several 49ers players knelt during the anthem.

President Trump began attacking players that participate in the protests last month, calling for NFL owners to fire any players that kneel during the anthem.

He also said people should walk out of games where players are demonstrating.

The NFL said Saturday that the league doesn’t plan on passing any new rules forcing players to stand during the anthem, but will discuss ways to end the protests at an owner’s meeting next week.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will present a plan on how the league can “raise awareness and make progress” on social issues, a league spokesman said Saturday.

Goodell previously said that he believes “everyone should stand for the National Anthem.”