Duquesne’s Keith Dambrot respects players’ choice to kneel during anthem

Jerry Dipaola | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 3:06 p.m.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

Duquesneճ Head Coach Keith Dambrot during their game against Richmond at PPG Paints Arena on Friday, March 6, 2020.

Several Duquesne players knelt, others stood while the national anthem was played before the game against Fordham at La Roche University on Saturday.

Coach Keith Dambrot said he respects both points of view.

“I believe in the First Amendment. I believe in people’s right for choice,” he said. “I understand completely why some guys want to kneel, and I also understand why some people don’t want to kneel.

“I respect the fact that they have an opinion and they acted on their opinion. I don’t have to agree, disagree. That’s what this country was built on, to have the freedom of choice.”

Dambrot said he respects how LeBron James, whom he coached in high school, speaks out against social injustice and police brutality.

“He’s not afraid to state his opinion, regardless of the circumstance,” Dambrot said. “Most people are afraid.”