Drew Brees, who plays as the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, issued an apology for a statement that was criticized by fans and fellow athletes as being insensitive.
On Wednesday, Brees was asked to share his opinions on some of the NFL players kneeling before the game starts. Started by Colin Kaepernick, the kneeling is understood as a protest against police violence. Since then, the gesture itself has become a hot topic for fans and players alike.
Brees told the reporter that while he agrees that things are far from ideal in the US right now, he also does not agree with or condone anyone who disrespects the flag.
He said to him, it showed unity and solidarity when everyone in the stadium puts their hands over their heart – a sign that everyone is in it together and that everyone knows that they can do better.
However, this statement was criticized by his teammate Michael Thomas and NBA superstar Lebron James. For instance, James said that the kneeling has no intentions of disrespecting the flag – adding that through his comments Brees inadvertently showed his ignorance on this issue.
As the controversies intensified, Brees apologized via his Instagram account. Saying that he was insensitive to the increased racial tensions that the US is going through right now, he apologized to him team, city and all other fans around the nation if they were offended by his words.
The 41 year old quarterback said that he understood the flag and anthem to represent all American heroes, including the civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. Clarifying that he is no enemy to this movement, Brees said that his words lacked empathy.
Athletes from all sports have risen up to give their endorsement and support to the protests that has been caused by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
As massive protests continue to spread and last around the nation into its 9th day, former star athletes such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have called for a change in society.
As he concluded his Instagram post, Brees said that he will always fight for what goodness although he will never get to fully understand the pains and difficulties that being of a different race brings.
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