Ex-MLB star Jonathan Lucroy recalls refusing to kneel for anthem: ‘I gave them the finger’

Former MLB star catcher Jonathan Lucroy recently shared his experience dealing with Major League Baseball’s anthem-kneeling controversy during the shortened 2020 season. Players across the league knelt during “The Star-Spangled Banner” in response to the racial tensions following the murder of George Floyd. Lucroy revealed that he was asked to kneel but refused the request, choosing to stand instead.

In a recent interview with Charly Arnolt on “OutKick the Morning,” Lucroy expressed his feelings about the situation. He mentioned that teams often expect players to remain politically neutral and avoid controversial topics. However, he was with a team that requested him to kneel for the anthem, which he adamantly refused to do. Lucroy made it clear that he would never compromise his beliefs, stating, “You’re not going to make me, there is nothing you’re – I’m not doing that.”

The former catcher also discussed another controversial issue from the 2020 season – the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Lucroy revealed that a team informed players that they had to get vaccinated to see their families for three months. While he acknowledged that the mandate came from the CDC and MLB, he emphasized the importance of standing firm on personal beliefs.

Lucroy took to social media to share his thoughts on the anthem-kneeling issue earlier this month, sparking a conversation about the culture war within professional sports. Throughout his 12-year career playing for nine different teams, Lucroy made a name for himself, primarily with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he spent the majority of his career. He was a two-time All-Star and had an impressive batting average of .274 with 108 home runs.

As a senior editor for Fox News Digital, Ryan Gaydos provides insight into Lucroy’s experience and sheds light on the challenges faced by athletes in navigating complex social and political issues. The conversation around anthem kneeling continues to be a contentious topic in sports, highlighting the importance of individual beliefs and standing up for what one believes in.