Athletics' Bruce Maxwell first MLB player to kneel during national anthem

Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the national anthem, doing so prior to Saturday night's home game against the Texas Rangers.

Maxwell had his hand over his heart while facing the flag as the anthem was played.

A's Bruce Maxwell just took a knee during anthem. He is the first in #MLB to do it. @sfchronicle @SFGate #baseball #Oakland #athletics pic.twitter.com/xJMeAskC4z

— Santiago Mejia (@SantiagoMejia) September 24, 2017

Minutes later, the A's issued a statement supporting Maxwell.

"The Oakland A's pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all of our players' constitutional rights and freedom of expression,"…