UVA men's basketball team speaks out on civil rights

(Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

NBC 29 news staff – NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

CHARLOTTESVILLE (WVIR) - The University of Virginia men's basketball team is speaking out this week about their hopes to bring awareness to civil rights injustices in America.

Recommended Videos



All 16 Virginia players, kneeling and dressed in black with arms interlocked, posed for a photo that was posted to social media late last month.

The photo is in response to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem.

Following the photo, head coach Tony Bennett initiated a meeting with Charlottesville Police Chief Al Thomas and Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy.

"They came in together and talked to our guys and it was just about continuing to educate them and as I said, their desire was all about awareness," Bennett said. "There are obviously some people who didn't quite understand and assume some things, but it was in no way to disrespect."

Bennett said the players will, "stand at attention during the national anthem" this season.