Confusion led to anger from fans Friday night when the Wright City football team remained in its locker room during the national anthem prior to its home game against Clopton.

According to Wright City R-II Superintendent David Buck, Wright City coaches became aware of at least one player that intended to kneel during the national anthem.

Coaches decided to remain in the locker room to avoid a “potential backlash.”

This comes in the wake of player protests throughout the NFL this season prior to the national anthem.

The Wildcats normally exit the locker room and line up on the goal line during the anthem at home games.

Monday, Buck emailed Wright City parents to clarify the situation.

“Friday night, at the home varsity football game, neither team came onto the field for the national anthem.  While this is common practice in Missouri football, it is not our common practice at Wright City R-II.  Neither the administration nor board of education was aware that this was to occur that evening.  The coaching staff heard of at least one student who was planning to kneel during the anthem.  The coaching staff talked to the seniors about this, and then made the decision to protect all involved from potential backlash by not being on the field for the national anthem. 

“Public schools are some of the most patriotic places in our country.  We recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day in every building.  We celebrate Veterans Day with our community.  We collaborated with the community at large to host the 9/11 ceremonies last year to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the attacks on our proud country.  We teach the Missouri and United States Constitution.  Our American Government scores on the state test are some of the highest in the state.  Our football team declared our previous home game to be Red, White and Blue day and ran onto the field with American flags.  We are proud of our country and model that pride daily.

“We have reviewed our coaches’ decision.  Going forward, our coaches will lead their team out for the national anthem even though it is not a common practice in all districts.  A student has individual rights to express him or herself, and that does extend to peaceful protest.  We are bound by law to protect their freedom of speech as long as it is quiet, peaceful, and not disruptive or encouraging others to disrupt the national anthem or the educational process.  Whether we agree or disagree with the message a student(s) wish(es) to send during the national anthem, we ask our fans and students to respect all of our students and, as always, cheer their efforts on the field.  If a player(s) want to stay inside during the national anthem, we will provide them that avenue.”