Orlando Magic's Jonathan Isaac the only player to stand for National Anthem

He refused to fall in line and take a knee. Just prior to the game between Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets last Friday night, Jonathan Isaac was the only player who stood for the national anthem.

In what can only be called a bold move, Isaac can be seen in video standing alone among all his comrades, with a serene expression on his face. He is the first professional player to stand for the anthem in the bubble at Disney, where the game was played, the Daily Caller reports.

Speaking to reporters, Isaac said that while he does support the Black Lives Matter movement in general terms, he felt that his faith in Christ is what kept him from taking a knee like everybody else during the anthem.

He went on to state that “through God, we can get past skin color”. The full video of the interview is presented below:

In the world of professional sports recently, it's become fashionable to “take a knee” during the anthem. Many regard it as a sign of peaceful protest against police brutality and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Professional sports organizations, long silent on the issue are often now weighing in on one side or the other.

However, viewers are voting with their feet over the increasing politicization of professional sports. Games and other major league events in all kinds of sports are seeing a sharp drop in interest in the general public this year as conservative viewers tune out in droves over the controversy.

Sports fans, often those leaning towards the right, feel that their core values are being attacked by recent events in professional sports, and are starting to withdraw their support. Others simply cite the fact that they watch professional sports to enjoy themselves, not to get a lesson in political science.