While Natchez High School coach Roy Rigsby preached honesty to his players following Friday night’s homecoming loss to South Jones, he took an additional stance regarding his personal morals before the game even began.

As Natchez students walked onto the field to present the nation’s colors, Rigsby removed his cap and lowered himself on two knees on the Bulldogs’ home sideline during the playing of the national anthem.

As one of many people, including numerous players in the National Football League, who have participated in similar acts recently — sparking conversations about African-American injustice and brutality — Rigsby said his decision to publicly protest is two-fold.

“With me, it’s not about disrespecting the flag or anything like that. My dad served in wars and wars, and I was raised by a military family. For anyone to think I am disrespecting the flag, it’s kind of crazy,” he said. “It is my protest against injustice, but it is done in a way to honor God. I just pray for people to understand why I’m kneeling. I do pray to God then for wisdom and understanding amongst the whole country.”

Rigsby said there was a particular moment that sparked the decision to protest, but he did not say the reason.

“There is something within me, and within my heart,” he said. “Everyone has a truth to themselves — I know about the national anthem. I know all the lyrics. It is hard for some people to understand oppression and discrimination if they have never experienced it. They can say they understand it, but until they really experience it they don’t know.”

Rigsby said his decision to kneel on both knees was just a personal preference.

“If you don’t stand it is automatically a protest, so either one knee or two knees is basically however you want to do it,” he said.

Rigsby said he has discussed the matter with his son and Natchez football player Ryon Rigsby, but did not mention whether or not he has spoken to the entire team.

“That’s a decision they have to make on their own,” he said.

Natchez-Adams School District Superintendent Fred Butcher said he was aware Rigsby decided to kneel, but said he did not witness the act. He declined to comment on the matter.