New Orleans Saints quarterbackDrew Brees told Yahoo on Wednesday that he doesn't "agree" with anyone "disrespecting" the flag by kneeling during the national anthem.- Brees cited his grandfathers' military service as his reason for believing people should stand for the national anthem.
- Brees' comments drew an immediate backlash in the
NFL , even among some Saints teammates, who criticized Brees for saying that theprotests were against the military, not police brutality as they were intended. - Brees stood by his comments in an interview with ESPN, saying he supports the fight against racism, but believes people should stand for the flag.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees drew the ire of NFL players, including some of his teammates, for his comments on kneeling during the national anthem.
During an interview with Yahoo, Brees was asked if kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality, as
"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," Brees said.
He added: "Let me just tell you what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States. I envision my two grandfathers who fought for this country during World War II... both risking their lives to protect our country and to try to make our country and this world a better place."
As has been covered, Kaepernick's protest was never about the military. He initially sat on the bench for the national anthem to protest police brutality and social injustice. He later decided to kneel during the anthem after a conversation with the ex-Green Beret Nate Boyer.
Brees' comments immediately drew backlash from the NFL community, including from some of his Saints teammates.
Star wide receiver Michael Thomas, in particular, did not hide his dissatisfaction with Brees' comments.
—Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) June 3, 2020
—Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) June 3, 2020
—Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) June 3, 2020
Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins, who leads the NFL Players Coalition, posted a video telling Brees he should "shut the f--- up."
"We're done asking [for help], Drew!" Jenkins said. He added: "I considered you a friend, I looked up to you, you're someone I had a great deal of respect for, but sometimes you should shut the f--- up."
—Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 3, 2020
Jenkins later deleted the video, with ESPN's Dianna Russini reporting that Brees reached out to speak to Jenkins.
Several other players across the NFL criticized Brees.
—Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) June 3, 2020
—Jamal Adams (@Prez) June 3, 2020
—Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) June 3, 2020
—Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) June 3, 2020
—Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) June 3, 2020
—Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 3, 2020
Aaron Rodgers did not directly mention Brees but put up an Instagram explaining the protests were not about the military.
LeBron James also criticized Brees via Twitter.
—LeBron James (@KingJames) June 3, 2020
In comments made to ESPN's Mike Triplett, Brees did not back down from his stance, saying he supports the fight against racism and for equality, but also believed in standing for the flag.
"I love and respect my teammates, and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice," Brees told Triplett via text message. "I also stand with my grandfathers who risked their lives for this country and countless other military men and women who do it on a daily basis."
Brees said his actions represent the type of person he is and his beliefs.
"I believe we should all stand for the national anthem and respect our country and all those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms ... And I would ask anyone who has a problem with what I said to look at the way I live my life. Do I come across as someone who is not doing my absolute best to make this world a better place, to bring justice and equality to others, and hope & opportunity to those who don't have it? That's what I meant by actions speak louder than words. ... My ACTIONS speak for themselves."
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