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          Bill O'Brien: I support Duane Brown's right to raise fist during anthem

          After Texans tackle Duane Brown raised his fist before Thursday's game to bring attention to racial inequality and oppression, head coach Bill O'Brien asserted, "It is his right of free speech." Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
          • Sarah BarshopSep 23, 2016, 09:18 PM ET
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              Sarah Barshop covers the Los Angeles Rams for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2016 to cover the Green Bay Packers for ESPN Milwaukee. She then moved to Houston to cover the Texans. She came to ESPN after working as a writer and editor for Sports Illustrated.
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          HOUSTON -- Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said he supports left tackle Duane Brown's right to raise his fist during the national anthem, as Brown did before Thursday's 27-0 loss to the New England Patriots.

          Brown, who was inactive for the game, raised his fist to bring attention to racial inequality and oppression. O'Brien said he supports Brown's "individual right" to raise his fist.

          "I understand that there is a lot going on in this country right now and that we all have strong opinions about it," O'Brien said. "Duane Brown expressed himself during the anthem, which is his right. It is his right of free speech. It’s his right to do what he did during the anthem last night. I support his individual right to do that."

          On Aug. 26, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick gained attention by sitting during the national anthem during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick said he sat because of the oppression of people of color and issues with police brutality. In games since, Kaepernick chose to kneel instead of sitting during the anthem. Several other players across the league have also participated by kneeling, raising a fist or interlocking arms with teammates during the national anthem before games.

          O'Brien has said in the past that as an organization, the Texans' expectation is to stand for the anthem. He reiterated that sentiment on Friday, and said he has made that clear to his team.

          "This team has a long history of supporting our veterans, active military and our first responders," O'Brien said. "This support has been evident since the inception of the franchise."

          But, O'Brien said, he is not concerned with what his players choose to do during the anthem.

          "I have spoken to Duane about it," O'Brien said. "Again, I would tell you that I'm not concerned at all about what our players are going to do as it relates to that. Again, I think it's their right to express their opinion. I support that right.

          "I will tell you that I think very highly of all of our players. I know that they're very thoughtful guys and they'll do what they believe is right."