San Francisco 49ers cheerleader continues to take a knee during anthem
The San Francisco 49ers cheerleader who went viral after taking a knee during the anthem has followed suit for the second straight week.
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The cheerleader who shocked America by taking a knee during the national anthem has done so again — and been revealed as Kayla Morris.
The San Francisco 49ers cheerleader went viral earlier this month after kneeling in support of NFL player protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
Fan photos were all that were available at the time but her face is clear now after photographers snapped her taking a knee once more during the 49ers’ game against the New York Giants at the Levi’s Stadium last night.
Morris has been a member of the 49ers’ Gold Rush cheerleading team for the past two seasons.
The 24-year-old brunette, who is from San Francisco, was thought to be the first known cheerleader to drop down during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
However, it is believed two other 49ers cheerleaders took a knee during the anthem last year.
Morris has not spoken out on her decision and little is known about her.
Her number one song is Skywalker by Miguel and Travis Scott and her favourite holiday is Halloween, according to her bio on the 49ers’ official website.
Her Facebook page shows she went to Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California, and she attended Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, from where it is believed she got a degree.
Morris’ former teammate Kayla Rossell revealed her identity to the Daily Mail.
She said: “I think it’s an extremely brave and courageous thing to do and I think it’s been met with love and respect.”
NFL protests began in 2016 when former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem, with similar demonstrations spreading to other teams.
President Donald Trump has slammed the actions, calling players who “disrespect” the flag “sons of b*****s”.
The reaction to Morris taking a knee has been similar to the backlash Kaepernick has received ever since he began kneeling.
@49ers Kayla Morris should be fired . This weekend was about giving thanks to the men and women who served for country and died for this country to protect our freedom . She needs to be fired !!!!
â Eddie Angeles (@EddieAngeles11) November 13, 2018
Second week in a row @49ers. Why are you employing a cheerleader who kneels for our anthem? Especially during a #VeteransDay2018 celebration? pic.twitter.com/iTXawqbzZs
â goodWILLbarking (@BarkingOff) November 13, 2018
Looks like the @49ers cheerleader was kneeling again...@espn kept that camera zoomed all the way out SMH...
â CWILL (@cwdaphotog) November 13, 2018
Of course not everyone was upset over her actions, with many quick to praise her for taking a stand.
Kayla Morris is braver than the most muscled up men in football uniform âð¾ #TakeAKnee
â Chris evans first wife (@hologramshana) November 4, 2018
#KaylaMorris continues to make us proud. @49ers
â Puff Zaddy (@CHilla415) November 13, 2018
Kayla Morris you are a hero.
â RH317 (@raech317) November 4, 2018
Thank you. ðððð
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission
Originally published as San Francisco 49ers cheerleader continues to take a knee during anthem