Denver Broncos player loses sponsorship deal after anthem protest

A Denver Broncos linebacker joined Colin Kaepernick this week in facing criticism for sitting out the national anthem. Brandon Marshall lost a sponsorship deal with the Air Academy Federal Credit Union after kneeling during the anthem before the Broncos' Thursday night game against the Carolina Panthers, according to CBS Denver.

The AAFCU announced on Facebook that it had dropped Marshall. "While we respect Brandon's right of expression, his actions are not a representation of our organization and membership," the credit union's CEO wrote. Marshall said after Thursday's game that he supported Kaepernick. Like the 49ers quarterback, he commented on social injustice and police brutality through his decision to sit out the anthem. "Colin is my fraternity brother, my ex-teammate and I believe in what he's trying to do," Marshall said. "I believe in his actions. So I definitely want to stand by him." The Broncos and the team's coach both said Marshall had a right to his personal beliefs.

Kaepernick has faced criticism for his decision to sit out the national anthem in protest of police brutality, but sales of his jersey have also skyrocketed. High school teams throughout the county also knelt during the anthem this week in support of Kaepernick.