NFL quarterback Drew Brees recently made the headlines and not precisely for the good reasons. Brees has gotten used to being involved with good news, always making records, and taking his New Orleans Saints to compete in the NFL. However, this time he’s on the other side of the street, receiving a lot of criticism for his comments on one of the most controversial topics in the US right now.
During an interview with Yahoo Sports, the future Hall of Famer said that kneeling during the national anthem was disrespectful to the flag.
“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” said the 41-year-old. “Is everything right with our country right now? No, it is not. We still have a long way to go. But I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity.”
“I love and respect my teammates, and I stand right there with them in regard to fighting for racial equality and justice,” Brees said. “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.”
The backlash to his words didn’t take that long as even his own teammates called him out for his words. Bron also sent a message to the quarterback, clarifying that the protest wasn’t about the flag or any symbol of America’s freedom, but injustice and racial inequality.
“WOW MAN!!. Is it still surprising at this point? Sure isn’t!” LeBron wrote. “You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee?? Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of (the flag) and our soldiers (men and women) who keep our land free. My father-in-law was one of those men who fought as well for this country. I asked him question about it and thank him all the time for his commitment. He never found Kap peaceful protest offensive because he and I both know what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong! God bless you,” Bron wrote on Twitter.
men who fought as well for this country. I asked him question about it and thank him all the time for his commitement. He never found Kap peaceful protest offensive because he and I both know what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong! God bless you. 🙏🏾✊🏾👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 3, 2020
There is a lot of tension in the country right now. There are protests across the nation and a simple word can outrage people. Bron has been very active trying to spread a good message during this time and responding to people who could misunderstand the point of the protests. He’s not taking anything from anybody.
