"We are more divided than ever before" - When Justin Verlander's wife Kate Upton called NFL anthem protests a 'disgrace' on 9/11 anniversary

The first instance of NFL players protesting against systemic racism in the United States began in August 2016. Many players would take the knee when the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," played.

The reason was the treatment of black people and heightened racism in the country. Therefore, they used kneeling during the national anthem as a means of showing their dissatisfaction against such treatment.

Many voiced their opinions, calling kneeling during the anthem an act of being unpatriotic. Among those was Justin Verlander's wife, Kate Upton, who took to her social media on 11th Sept. 2016, requesting everyone to come together, especially after the 9/11 terrorist act.

She asked her countrymen to come together and work their way towards a common goal. She wanted everyone to be grateful for the fact they've been born in one of the special places in the world.

"Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country," Upton wrote in her post.

"Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place," she added.

Kate Upton talks about true meaning of national anthem

During the 2016 NFL season, many players started to kneel during the national anthem. This was initiated when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem in the team's pre-season games.

Seeing this unfold, Kate Upton tried to make people understand what the national anthem meant.

"In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom," she wrote in her social media account.

"Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed."

Till this day, there are many athletes who take a knee during the rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."