Sports

Pitt men's basketball player says he's considered demonstrating during national anthem

Pittsburgh NCAA college basketball player Sheldon Jeter answers a question during the Atlantic Coast Conference media day in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct., 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

PITTSBURGH — University of Pittsburgh men's basketball forward Sheldon Jeter believes it is an athlete's responsibility to speak up when there's an issue they care about and he has considered following San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick's lead in demonstrating during the national anthem.

Jeter said Wednesday at the ACC men's basketball media day that he has talked with teammates about the entire team participating in a gesture. Jeter said if it's just one person, people can incorrectly classify the action as attention-grabbing and miss the reason behind the demonstration.

The senior forward said he would seek approval from coach Kevin Stallings before taking any action.

In August, Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem. He cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and athletes from various sports and levels - from youth teams to professional ranks - have followed his lead in various ways.