Eagles rookie plans to take a stand by sitting out national anthem Thursday

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Myke Tavarres looks on during practice at NFL football training camp last month in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Myke Tavarres looks on during practice at NFL football training camp last month in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

An undrafted rookie linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles said he will act in solidarity to support Colin Kaepernick — who sat out the national anthem at a San Francisco 49ers’ preseason game over the weekend — by following his example.

Myke Tavarres, a free agent from Incarnate Word, said he will not stand for “The Star Spangled Banner” during the Eagles fourth preseason game Thursday.  

Tavarres told ESPN that, while he realizes he has only just made the first round of cuts and does not have the influence of a Kaepernick, he wants to make a statement by pointing out what he sees as issues facing Americans of color.

Kaepernick has said that he will not “stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

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Tavarres told ESPN that while he realizes there may be a backlash, he felt it necessary as an African-American to take action.

He said he has not discussed his actions with the Eagles coaching staff or front office.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz held a players forum where Eagles veterans and rookies alike expressed their views about the symbolic recognition of national pride when teams play the national anthem.

Kaepernick’s actions have set off a torrent of discussions on both sides of the issue for the past few days.

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