Brandon Marshall loses endorsements because of anthem protest, Russell Simmons offers him a deal

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After taking a knee during the national anthem last Tuesday, Brandon Marshall lost two endorsements, but he gained a new one from Russell Simmons.

After Marshall’s protest, CenturyLink announced that it was letting him go: “We completely respect Brandon Marshall’s personal decision and right to take an action to support something in which he strongly believes. America is anchored in the right of individuals to express their beliefs. While we acknowledge Brandon’s right, we also believe that whatever issues we face, we also occasionally must stand together to show our allegiance to our common bond as a nation. In our view, the national anthem is one of those moments. For this reason, while we wish Brandon the best this season, we are politely terminating our agreement with him.”

But after reading that news, Simmons, who has long been a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, rushed in to show his support. “Rushcard is in,” Simmons wrote on Instagram. “We will find Brandon, make him an offer and make him a deal.”

But Marshall says that the loss of endorsements is nothing compared to the movement.

“I just lost another endorsement,” Marshall said on Twitter. “But it’s not going to make me lose any sleep. … I understand there will be things that come up, criticism and support. I just have to do what I think is right.”