COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.–Air Academy FCU said it has “ended its partnership” with Denver Broncos’ linebacker Brandon Marshall after the player knelt during the playing of the national anthem during last week’s NFL opening game, the Super Bowl rematch between the Broncos and the Carolina Panthers.
Air Academy FCU’s primary sponsor is the United States Air Force.
Marshall, who has been an “ambassador” for Air Academy FCU, is one of a number of NFL players who have been either sitting or kneeling during the anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality in the United States.
In a posting on the credit union’s Facebook page, CEO Glenn Strebe wrote, “Although we have enjoyed Brandon Marshall as our spokesperson over the past five months, Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU) has ended our partnership. AAFCU is a membership-based organization who has proudly served the military community for over 60 years. While we respect Brandon’s right of expression, his actions are not a representation of our organization and membership. We wish Brandon well on his future endeavors.”
In the wake of the announcement AAFCU’s Facebook page included numerous responses such as “Thank you,” “Way to go,” and “Good call,” and “Never heard of you before. But now I have and I have much respect for you exercising YOUR rights to 'vote’ your conscience.” But the credit union’s move was also met with criticisms, including:
- “If you believe in the freedom of expression our vets fought for I recommend pulling your dollars out!”
- “Never will do business with you freaks. Great move. Hope you bankrupt soon.”
- “As a Marine veteran, I wholly support Brandon Marshall in this instance. There is nothing ‘patriotic’ about penalizing him for taking a stance against the very real issue of police brutality. Shame on AAFCU.”
Air Academy FCU can be found on Facebook here.
Learning about the CU's decision, Marshall responded.“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.