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Singer Jordin Sparks had Bible verse written on her hand during national anthem

Posted at 6:56 PM, Sep 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-25 21:56:15-04

Singer and Valley native Jordin Sparks made a subtle statement during her powerful rendition of the national anthem at Monday night's game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys.

Written on her hand was "Prov. 31:8-9," a reference to two Bible verses in the book of Proverbs.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy," is what those verses say in the New International Version of the Bible.

The Dallas Cowboys linked arms and momentarily knelt prior to Sparks singing the national anthem before standing up with arms linked. The Arizona Cardinals stood, arms linked in the south end zone.

Sparks' father, Phillippi Sparks, played college football for ASU before spending nine years in the NFL with the Cowboys and New York Giants.

Some players and coaches linked arms or knelt during the national anthem at televised games over the weekend, an act that has become a symbol of protest toward inequality in the United States. 

Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick began kneeling last season. He is currently a free agent.

President Donald Trump gained widespread criticism over the weekend after saying (and tweeting) players who knelt during the playing of the national anthem should be fired for disrespecting the flag.