Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall has lost endorsements since began kneeling during the national anthem in protest of social inequity.
Marshall first lost his sponsorship deal with Air Academy Credit Union, who announced Friday on Facebook they would be ending their relationship with Marshall after only five months, claiming that Marshall’s stance for social justice was “not a representation of our organization and membership.”
The latest sponsor to also drop Marshall is CenturyLink who released this statement, as reported by USA Today:
“We completely respect Brandon Marshall’s personal decision and right to take an action to support something in which he strongly believes. America is anchored in the right of individuals to express their beliefs. While we acknowledge Brandon’s right, we also believe that whatever issues we face, we also occasionally must stand together to show our allegiance to our common bond as a nation. In our view, the national anthem is one of those moments. For this reason, while we wish Brandon the best this season, we are politely terminating our agreement with him.”
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Despite the loss in endorsements, Marshall says he will continue to protest and plans on kneeling during the national anthem Sunday.