Oakland A's catcher Bruce Maxwell kneels during national anthem before game against Texas Rangers

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Before the A's played the Rangers, Oakland catcher Bruce Maxwell kneeled during the national anthem.

As Maxwell took a knee, Mark Canha put his hand on the rookie catcher's shoulder and afterward Maxwell and Canha exchanged a hug. Maxwell was clearly emotional in the moment.



FULL VIDEO: Bruce Maxwell fields questions after kneeling during national anthem


After Maxwell took a knee the A's displayed a message at the Coliseum, saying "The Oakland A's pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all of our players' constitutional rights and freedom of expression."



Maxwell's protest comes after President Donald Trump denounced protests by NFL players and rescinded a White House invitation for NBA champion Stephen Curry in a two-day rant that targeted top professional athletes.





The Associated Press contributed to this report.