Eagles players expected to stage protest prior to Bears game

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Philadelphia Eagles players are expected stage a possible demonstration of the national anthem before their Monday night game against the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The players are still planning their demonstration, but will probably not take a knee as 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been doing in protest of social injustice.

Whatever they decide, it's expected to spark a strong reaction from fans.

On Saturday, fans already had their opinions.

"It is a great platform for people like that to be able to take a stand," said Telia McFadden.

"A player doesn't have a First Amendment right as an employee of a football team," said Tom Osran.

"Most people don't like change but when one person do something and everybody can sees it doing god, everybody's going to follow," said David Jackson.

Protests by athletes have swept across the National Football League, as well as other sports, after Kaepernick remained seated during the anthem before a preseason game.

"It's not an anti-police thing," said Malcolm Jenkins, an Eagles player. "In fact, the police are a key part of the solution in this issue across the nation. It has nothing to do with the military or the flag itself."

"I think Colin Kaepernick should realize how much money he makes in this country and there have been fallen soldiers who have gone out there for free and risk their life just to make sure Colin Kaepernick can play football," said Rich Ruscitti.

It is unclear if any Bears players will take part in the demonstration.

"Haven't brought it up. I think it is an individual decision. My focus has been on playing the Eagles and what it takes to beat the Eagles. I have not thought really much about the anthem," said Bears coach John Fox.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said he is in support of whatever the team decides to do and would be willing to participate.