While his team waits in locker room, one college football player takes his stand alone during national anthem

After some of its players kneeled in protest during the national anthem before a game last month, the Millikin University football team let it be known that the entire squad would be waiting in the locker room during "The Star-Spangled Banner" from now on.

Image source: WAND-TV

A statement from the team read, in part:

[R]ather than have our message be misunderstood or misconstrued, we are united in our decision to stay in the locker room until kickoff during which time we will engage in a moment of reflection to personally recognize the sacrifice of so many and renew our commitment to living up to those most important words: "with liberty and justice for all."

Image source: WAND-TV

But it appears one Millikin player isn't in agreement.

Connor Brewer was the only player from the Decatur, Illinois, school who stood on the sideline during the national anthem before Saturday's game against Augustana College.

Image source: WAND-TV

Brewer told WAND-TV he won't speak to the media until he talks to his football team and coach.

As for community members who witnessed it all take place, most seem not too happy about the team's decision.

"I'm very supportive of Millikin sport programs, I'm very supportive of the college as a whole. I've lived here my whole life; however, in this instance, I believe they have dropped the ball," Jewell Young told WAND. "If some don't agree with the national anthem, then they should stay in the locker room and come out when it begins. I don't think the whole team should have to stay in because I don't think the whole team feels that way."

Steve Little's son attends Millikin and said the entire team shouldn't have to stay in the locker room if they don't want to protest.

"Maybe the guys who don't want to stand for the national anthem, black or white, can stay in and let the rest of the guys come out and do it," Little told the station. "They should let the rest of the guys that want to come out, come out."

The following report aired before WAND got word of Brewer's appearance on the sideline for the anthem:

(H/T: Todd Starnes)