Standing For The United States

As reported in today's New York Times, U.S. Soccer will now require national team players to stand during the playing of the national anthem.  The new rule is apparently in response to Megan Rapinoe, who knelt during the playing of the anthem before a friendly against Thailand as well as before a match with her club team,  the Seattle Reign. 

For those who howl "she has a right of free speech":  no she doesn't when it comes to a non-governmental entity such as U.S. Soccer.  A governmental agency may not require someone to stand during the Star Spangled Banner, but an employer may.  And that aside, if an athlete is representing the United States, she should show respect for the country.  She is certainly free to express her opinions on Twitter, to the media or whatever, but when it comes to the national anthem, it is not unreasonable to expect American athletes to show respect.