MLB Great Weighs In On How He Would’ve Handled National Anthem Protests

Since the divisive days of the Obama administration, wealthy pro athletes have repeatedly bitten the hand that feeds them by staging attention-seeking protests during the National Anthem. 

The demonstrations were popularized by ex-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but they have since transcended leagues.

And one former pro baseball player is speaking up about how he and his generation of players feel about it.

Here’s how the Daily Caller covered Jim Edmonds’ comments:

The St. Louis Cardinals legend acknowledged that MLB has went through some changes, taking their talk into his own beliefs.

“Well, I think that people have figured out that it’s great to do that in recognition of those people, but you’re also supposed to be recognizing, let’s say from my beliefs, the National Anthem,” said Edmonds.

“There’s a reason why we play the National Anthem every day. There’s a reason why we stand up and salute. It’s no different than when you see President [Donald] Trump and the Army walking by. They’re saluting each other … That’s what we do, that’s what we’re taught. I don’t really have any leeway for that.”

Edmonds said that if a teammate would have pulled a Colin Kaepernick while he was the captain of a clubhouse, he would’ve had an issue with it and would’ve taken it on directly in the form of a conversation.

“When I was supposed to be like the captain, if someone was doing that on our team, which we never had anything like that, I would present myself and say, ‘Hey, what’s going on? You need to continue the education on why we’re standing. I understand what you’re trying to do, but what are we really doing?’” said Edmonds.

The issue has come into focus in recent days due to a mild controversy surrounding the NBA Finals:

I asked President Trump about Victor Wembanyama crossing his arms during the national anthem. Trump said he didn’t see that, but wanted to know what Wemby meant by it.

When I said no one asked, Trump said “Someone should ask him.” pic.twitter.com/YGW5KafqKt

— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) June 5, 2026

He’s a disrespectful punk

— Meme_Uh_Licious (@Meme_Uh_Licious) June 14, 2026

Here’s what Yahoo Sports added:

Speculation rose that perhaps the gesture was a political protest akin to what Colin Kaepernick did by kneeling during the anthem when he played in the NFL. However, it’s worth noting that Wembanyama hails from France, so rather than seeking to make a political statement, he may just not have the same reverence for The Star-Spangled Banner that an American athlete might.

Still, Wemby’s nationality didn’t stop fans from having all sorts of takes on what transpired.

“Any idiot knows that you respect other countries’ national anthem, and crossing your arms is clearly disrespectful,” one person posted on X.

“So what about the him being French just show respect like everyone else,” someone else added.

Here’s a clip of Edmonds’ remarks:

National Anthem Should Be "Non Negotiable"

Cardinal Hall of Famer Jim Edmonds has zero leeway for kneeling: "Stand up and salute the flag. That’s what we were taught."@TomiLahren pic.twitter.com/CJ3JRdQRAo

— Tomi Lahren is Fearless (@TLisFearless) June 11, 2026