Miles addresses potential Husker national anthem protests

If the wake of the numerous social protests during the national anthem at sporting events by athletes, fans, and even marching band members alike, Tim Miles had a feeling the question was coming as Nebraska’s 2016-17 season approaches.

When the Huskers take the court for their exhibition opener against Chadron State on Nov. 7, or even for their season opener vs. Sacramento State on Nov. 13, will any of the players decide to protest by kneeling during the anthem?

If so, will Miles accept and allow it?

Miles addressed the issue with HuskerOnline.com on Wednesday.

“We’ve talked with our guys about it, and we’re going to continue to meet about it,” Miles said. “If there’s someone that wants to make a stand or a statement or whatever it is, we’re going to let them, and I think rightfully so.

“But we’re going to make sure, just like Michael Rose-Ivey, that the team knows about it and we’re all in agreement on what’s going on and go from there. But we’ve got a guy like Isaiah Roby, whose dad did three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. We’ve got guys with dads who fought in wars. My dad was a veteran.

“But we live in such an inclusive environment around our team, we don’t always realize what a climate is in somebody’s hometown and how difficult it can be for them, and really, that’s what people are talking about, is to make America better. Not make America worse or be against America. I think everyone wants to make America better.

“Millennials are like that in general anyway. They’ve got bleeding hearts and want to make everything better everywhere, and that’s good. So we’re going to talk about it as a team, and if there’s a compelling individual or small group of individuals, we’ll support that.”

HuskerOnline.com then asked if Miles anticipated any players protesting this season?

“I have no idea,” Miles said. “I brought it up to them last week and told them we’d meet again this week and then meet again in two weeks, about 10 days before the season. That way they can think about what they want to do, or if they’ve got some thoughts they can have it well thought out and we can go from there.”