Ahead of Sunday night's game, Miami Dolphins players Michael Thomas, Kenny Stills and Julius Thomas exited the tunnel and took a knee during the national anthem, going against a policy the team had set in place back in October.
According to the Palm Beach Post, the three players had been sitting out the anthem by staying in the locker room prior to games, but explained to head coach Adam Gase the policy "interfered with their pregame preparation," per the report.
They reportedly noted they "could not be themselves" and while Gase would prefer they stand, respected their rights to be themselves.
The team policy required players to stand for the anthem or stay behind in the locker room.
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