After adding fuel to the ongoing take a knee movement, the identity of the kneeling San Francisco 49ers cheerleader has been released.
The woman is Kayla Morris, according to the Houston Chronicle. On November 1, Morris kneeled moments before the 49ers faced off against the Oakland Raiders. She is the latest person to join the movement started by former 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick.
Kayla Morris, the first NFL cheerleader to kneel during the US anthem. pic.twitter.com/gHIrluwNw5
— MoorInfo (@MoorInformation) November 4, 2018
Since its inception a little over two years ago, Kaepernick has been attacked by conservatives. Critics claimed the movement was anti-military and anti-American. However, players and supporters continue to take a knee.
An image capturing the Gold Rush cheerleader member went viral in the days following, sparking intrigue about the woman.
The San Francisco Gate reports Morris may be the first cheerleader to kneel against racism and police brutality this year. Morris reportedly has family in Antioch, Texas, and she has been on the team for two seasons. When she isn't cheering on the 49ers, she works in sales.
"I think it’s an extremely brave and courageous thing to do … and I think it’s been met with love and respect from both the Gold Rush director as well as the team itself, just based on my past experiences there," former teammate Kayla Rossell told the Daily Mail.
"If I were still cheering, I would support her 100 percent and am proud to call her a former teammate. I hope and pray the fans give her a similar level of love and support."
It is unknown if the dancer will face any repercussions for her bold statement. The 49ers organization, in the past months, supported players' right to protest. However, it isn't clear if cheerleaders are included because they are employees of entertainment company e2k.
Now, check these out:
San Francisco 49ers Cheerleader Takes a Knee During National Anthem
Amy Schumer Calls Out White NFL Players For Not Protesting Alongside Their Black Teammates
San Francisco 49ers Apologize After Leaving Kaepernick Out Of Photo Gallery Celebrating Team
