Maryland volleyball player responds negative comments from Husker fans
Rainelle Jones, a senior middle blocker for the Terrapins, knelt during the national anthem at the Devaney Center along with several of her teammates. Some fans were reportedly heard shouting at her to stand up.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Maryland volleyball player has responded to some negative comments directed at her and some teammates before the Nebraska-Maryland volleyball match last Friday.
Rainelle Jones, a senior middle blocker for the Terrapins, knelt during the national anthem at the Devaney Center along with several of her teammates. Some fans were reportedly heard shouting at her to stand up.
Jones posted on Instagram on Sunday, saying, “I am hoping that people realize how much we need to continue to fight for equality. It’s more than kneeling. It’s more than a hashtag. It’s our life, so why live it repeating the history that is tearing us all down.”
On Friday night, Husker players were seen apologizing to Jones after the match. Nebraska head coach John Cook said his players were visibly upset with the negative reaction from fans.
“I just don’t think that’s our fans’ place to say things during a match,” Cook said on Friday. “It’s putting judgment on the other team and this is a volleyball match. We’re not here to do that. I’m a little disappointed that that happened.
“Our players apologized to the Maryland players after the match. There are other ways to express people’s opinions, but not right at the Star Spangled Banner and introductions.”
Jones has been kneeling during the national anthem for quite some time. The overwhelming response across social media has been positive as well.
UNL administration also released a statement expressing their disappointment in the response.
