CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Demonstrators gathered outside the Panthers' stadium in support of Carolina safety Eric Reid and his protest against social and racial injustice.
The organization, known as Serve The People-Charlotte, held signs and chanted on a sidewalk near the stadium before the game against the visiting Ravens, then gathered at a nearby street to take a knee just before kickoff.
About 50 people participated in the protest outside the stadium, while Reid was taking a knee on the Carolina sideline inside during the national anthem.
Jibril Hough, a Panthers season ticket holder who has refused to stand during the national anthem since former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf remained seated nearly 23 years ago, organized the protest.
"We want to show Eric Reid he is not alone," Hough said. "We're also recognizing we have an owner (David Tepper) who recognizes Eric's right to do that."
The demonstration went off without counter-protest or police action.
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The Associated Press