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BOYDS, Md. -- The Washington Spirit prevented Seattle midfielder Megan Rapinoe from kneeling during the national anthem by altering its pregame ceremonies rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent.The National Womens Soccer League team moved up the anthem, playing it while the teams were off the field at the Maryland SoccerPlex.We decided to play the anthem in our stadium ahead of schedule rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent, the Spirit said in a statement. We understand this may be seen as an extraordinary step, but believe it was the best option to avoid taking focus away from the game on such an important night for our franchise.On Sunday before the Reigns match in Chicago, Rapinoe knelt during the anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick,?the San Francisco quarterback who has refused to stand during the anthem to protest racial injustice and minority oppression. She said at the time she planned to continue to kneel.To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans for any cause would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves, the Spirit said in the statement.Rapinoe said after the game she was saddened by the Spirits move and took issue with their statement.It was incredibly distasteful, four days before one of the worst tragedies in our country, to say I tried to hijack this event, Rapinoe said after the game, according to The Washington Post.The Spirit said team owner Bill Lynch is a veteran who has lost friends in overseas conflicts, along with his close friends.The tradition of honoring our military and our patriotism before our games is very important to us, the statement said. We strongly feel that there are better ways to begin a conversation about a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is so important to so many.Earlier Wednesday, the Reign said they are standing by Rapinoe. In a statement, the team said it recognizes Rapinoes action was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and made sacrifices on our behalf, the Reign said. We will also continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.NWSL commissioner Jeff Plush, who was in attendance at Thursdays match, told The Washington Post he had not been informed of the Spirits plans.I would have preferred to have had an honest dialogue of what we wanted to do, what their goals were, and then work through it, Plush said. I dont suggest I have all the answers, but its better to talk about it. Im disappointed.Plush called the topic an emotional issue.Im trying to be aware of that and respectful of different points of view, Plush said. Its a challenging issue and a challenging time. Weve got some issues we need to work through as a country. ... The issue brought forth by Colin and then Megan is a real issue. We need to have serious conversations about it. I dont know whether it belongs on the playing surface. Its bigger than us.Kaepernick drew attention when he remained seated on the bench before a preseason game against Green Bay. Last Thursday night in San Diego, he and safety Eric Reid knelt during the anthem before a game against the Chargers.On Sunday night, Rapinoe kneeled during the anthem prior to the match against the Chicago Red Stars in what she called a little nod to Kaepernick.I think its actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isnt. We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country, Rapinoe told the website American Soccer Now afterward.She went on to say, Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it.The 31-year-old Rapinoe, who has played for Seattle since 2013, has been with the U.S. national team since 2006 and has played in two Womens World Cups and two Olympics.She injured her knee last December during training and required surgery, but Rapinoe was able to come back and play in the Rio Games. The United States, which had won three straight gold medals in the sport, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden.Since coming out in 2012, Rapinoe has been a devoted advocate for LGBT rights and has worked with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and other organizations.Rapinoe also has been vocal about pay equity, and she was among five national team players who lent their names to a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging wage discrimination. The players claim that members of the team make in some cases up to four times less than their male national team counterparts.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.Cheap Wholesale Air Jordan 12 . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Air Jordan 12 Outlet . LOUIS -- St. http://www.airjordan12outlet.com/ . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. Cheap Authentic Jordan 12 . The 28-year-old from Calgary matched his career best after missing just one shot in his two rounds of shooting in the mens 10-kilometre sprint competition. Smith finished in 23 minutes 15. Air Jordan 12 Retro Cheap .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again.As a result of investigations in two states regarding separate allegations of sexual assault of the same woman, USC Trojans linebacker Osa Masina is no longer welcome at the university, according to his attorney.Hes now been removed from the school all together, not just the football team, Salt Lake City-based attorney Greg Skordas said. Hes not allowed to practice. Hes not even allowed to be on the campus.The university informed Masina of its decision on Friday and allowed him until 6 p.m. on Monday to vacate his campus residence, Skordas said. Masina returned to his family home in Salt Lake City on Sunday.USC coach Clay Helton announced Tuesday that Masina and teammate Don Hill, who is also under investigation for sexually assaulting the woman, will no longer take part in football-related activities.Under the universitys further guidance, it has been decided that they have been suspended from participation with our football team, Helton said.Neither player was allowed to play in the Trojans first two games of the season, but they continued to practice with the team and attend meetings. It is unclear if Hill will be allowed to continue going to class.Based on additional information obtained by the university, Osa Masina and Don Hill have been suspended from participation with USC Athletics and the football team, USC said in a statement.dddddddddddd To protect the rights of the students and comply with federal privacy laws no other details will be provided.According to details in a search warrant and affidavit obtained by ESPN from Los Angeles Superior Court, both players are accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Hills off-campus apartment in July.Masina is also under investigation for a second sexual assault of the same woman in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on July 26.Neither has been arrested or charged.If charges are filed against Masina in Utah, Skordas said he will surrender to authorities.Masina was served with a search warrant on Aug. 25 to collect DNA samples and his cell phone, which he allegedly used to film himself having sex with the woman and later send the video to the womans ex-boyfriend through the social media application Snapchat, according to the affidavit.Four days after the search warrant was executed, Helton announced Masina would not travel with the team to Texas to play Alabama, citing a violation of team rules.Hill initially made the trip, but returned home after details of his involvement became public. 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