Bret Apthorpe, superintendent of the Jamestown Public Schools District, released a statement Friday regarding a player on the school’s freshman team who reportedly took a knee during the national anthem before a game Thursday.

The Red Raiders field varsity, junior varsity and ninth-grade teams. Nathan Curtis is the coach of the ninth-grade team, with Pat Langworthy as an assistant coach.

The player, who was not identified by the superintendent, reportedly knelt prior to a game against the Dunkirk junior varsity team. Apthorpe said the kneeling “presents an opportunity for a learning moment among our students.”

“Jamestown coaches and teachers will use this opportunity for all students in our district to learn more about patriotism, sacrifice, civil rights, advocacy and freedom of speech,” Apthorpe said. “The event is not about consequences for students, and there will be no consequences for this student, but rather it is about a learning moment for all students.”

Several NFL players took a knee last week during the playing of the national anthem following comments made by President Donald Trump. At a rally in Alabama, the president commented that NFL players who kneel should be fired.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the first player to take a knee during a game. Kaepernick said he was protesting police brutality.