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Albright College cuts backup QB for kneeling during anthem

The Reading-based school cut freshman Gyree Durante for taking a knee during last Saturday's home game.

Albright backup quarterback Gyree Durantee was dismissed from the team for agreeing to stand with his team during the national anthem and then kneeling.
Albright backup quarterback Gyree Durantee was dismissed from the team for agreeing to stand with his team during the national anthem and then kneeling.Read moreScreen shot

Albright College, which plays Division III football in the Middle Atlantic Conference, has cut a backup quarterback for kneeling during the national anthem.

Gyree Durante, a freshman at the Reading liberal arts college, took a knee during last Saturday's home game against Delaware Valley University.

The team had reportedly decided to kneel before the game and stand during the anthem. The players were told there would be consequences for any other actions. An Albright spokesperson said Durante was dismissed for going against the team's decision.

"At some point in life, there's going to be a time when you've got to take a stand," Durante told NBC10. "For me, it just happened to be on Saturday afternoon.

"I was just taught you fight for what you believe in, and you don't bow to anyone," Durante said. "I believe heavily in this. So I decided to fight for it."

Durante said his protest was against social injustice and racism.

Durante, who is from Norristown but played high school football in Florida, was 3-for-8 passing in two games for Albright, throwing for 35 yards and one touchdown. He also had two carries for -8 yards. He remains a student at Albright.

Albright lost to Delaware Valley, 41-6.