BOYDS, Md. -- The Washington Spirit prevented Seattle midfielder Megan Rapinoe from kneeling again during the national anthem by altering its pregame ceremonies rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent.The National Womens Soccer League team moved up the anthem, playing it while the teams were off the field at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Wednesday.We decided to play the anthem in our stadium ahead of schedule rather than subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent, the Spirit said in a statement. We understand this may be seen as an extraordinary step, but believe it was the best option to avoid taking focus away from the game on such an important night for our franchise.On Sunday before the Reigns match in Chicago, Rapinoe knelt during the anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick -- the San Francisco quarterback who has refused to stand during the anthem to protest racial injustice and minority oppression. Rapinoe said at the time she planned to continue to kneel.To willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans for any cause would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves, the Spirit said in the statement.Following the match, Rapinoe said she was saddened by the Spirits move.It was incredibly distasteful, four days before one of the worst tragedies in our country, to say I tried to hijack this event, The Washington Post quoted Rapinoe as saying.During the match, a group of supporters chanted Let Her Kneel!The Spirit said team owner Bill Lynch is a veteran who has lost friends in overseas conflicts, as had his close friends.The tradition of honoring our military and our patriotism before our games is very important to us, the statement said. We strongly feel that there are better ways to begin a conversation about a cause than tarnishing a tradition that is so important to so many.Earlier Wednesday, the Reign said they were standing by Rapinoe. In a statement, the team said it recognizes Rapinoes action was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and made sacrifices on our behalf, the Reign said. We will also continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.Kaepernick drew attention when he remained seated on the bench before a preseason game against Green Bay. Last Thursday night in San Diego, he and safety Eric Reid knelt during the anthem before a preseason game against the Chargers.On Sunday night, Rapinoe kneeled during the anthem before the match against the Chicago Red Stars, in what she called a little nod to Kaepernick.I think its actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isnt. We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country, Rapinoe told the website American Soccer Now afterward.She went on to say: Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it. Its important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this. We dont need to be the leading voice, of course, but standing in support of them is something thats really powerful.The 31-year-old Rapinoe has been with the U.S. national team since 2006 and has played in two Womens World Cups and two Olympics. She has played for Seattle since 2013.Rapinoe injured her knee last December during training and required surgery, but played in the Rio Games. The United States, which had won three straight gold medals in the sport, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden.Since coming out in 2012, Rapinoe has been devoted advocate for LGBT rights and has worked with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and other organizations.Rapinoe also has been vocal about pay equity, and was among five national team players who lent their names to a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging wage discrimination. 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Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A judge has approved a settlement with former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling over a $75 million deal with Rhode Island state that brought his failed video game company to the state.A court spokesman says Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein approved the $2.5 million settlement Friday.Schilling and three other 38 Studios officials agreed to the settlement with Rhode Islands economic development agency earlier this week. It will be paid by the companys insurance.ddddddddddddSchilling agreed to move 38 Studios to Rhode Island in 2010 in exchange for a state loan guarantee. His company failed less than two years later.The state has now recovered around $45 million. Just one company remains as a defendant, First Southwest, which acted as the states financial adviser in the deal. ' ' '