Youth Football League Investigating Slurs Directed at Players During Anthem

After 12- and 13-year-old players from Woodland Hills, Pennsylvania, took a knee during the national anthem ahead of their game with Bethel Park on Saturday, they were allegedly subjected to racial slurs. 

"It seemed like everything started once the national anthem started," said Marcus Burkley Sr., head coach of Woodland Hills, according to WPXI Channel 11 News in Pittsburgh. "Two or three of my players took a knee. Once they took a knee, you see cameras and people taking pictures. And out of nowhere you hear, 'If the little N-word want to take a knee, they shouldn't be able to play.'"

Burkley alleges members of the opposing team used the slur as well.

Following his team's victory, Burkley posted a message on Facebook:

In a separate post (Warning: Link contains NSFW language), he also alleged that Woodland Hills fans weren't served food at the concession stands, and the referee crew attempted to sabotage the team.

Paul Currie, president of the Bethel Park Junior Football League, confirmed to WPXI Channel 11 News that the league is looking into Burkley's claims.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick popularized the protest used by Woodland Hills. His demonstration began when he remained seated during the national anthem in the NFL preseason, but he has been taking a knee instead for the past several weeks.

Speaking with Steve Wyche of NFL.com, Kaepernick said he refused to stand and "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."