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'Absolutely': Brandon Marshall Says Actions Worth Consequences

By Rick Sallinger

DENVER (CBS4)- It was a silent, symbolic protest against perceived social injustice. Now Brandon Marshall, a Denver Broncos linebacker, is paying the price after choosing not to stand during the national anthem before the season opener game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

CBS4's Rick Sallinger asked him, "Were your actions worth the consequences?"

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CBS4's Rick Sallinger interviews Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (credit: CBS)

While removing a sweatshirt in the practice locker room Marshall replied, "Absolutely they were worth the consequences."

Those consequences have already begun. The Air Academy Federal Credit Union promptly dropped Marshall as its spokesman.

brandon-marshall
(credit: CBS)

"I was kind of shocked to read this morning that Air Academy took away my endorsement, but it was expected because they are part of the Air Force, I think," said Marshall.

The Air Academy Credit Union President wrote on Facebook, "While we respect Brandon's right of expression, his actions are not a representation of our organization or membership."

Although we have enjoyed Brandon Marshall as our spokesperson over the past five months, Air Academy Federal Credit...

Posted by Air Academy Federal Credit Union on Friday, September 9, 2016

There was some reaction on social media that supported Marshall's actions.

Marshall called it, "A lot of positive feedback for me and what I believe in. A lot of people are proud of me because stand up for what believe in."

But that's not all, Marshall said, "I had a lot of negative, a lot of racist comments calling me the 'n' word, derogatory words."

Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall (credit: CBS)

He said he plans to back up his protest with actions including donations and work with the community.

The protest distracted from a big Broncos victory over the Carolina Panthers.

It also blindsided coach Gary Kubiak who had a talk with his player before telling reporters, "Brandon has the right to his beliefs and I am going to keep us focused on the football."

Brandon Marshall
Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos looks on from the bench in the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sept. 8, 2016. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Marshall says he will consult with his college fraternity brother Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers on how this might continue and when it should end.

Marshall added," Let's come up with a strategy for all these games."

CBS4's Rick Sallinger is a Peabody award winning reporter who has been with the station more than two decades doing hard news and investigative reporting. Follow him on Twitter @ricksallinger.

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