Drew Brees causes outrage with comments about protesting football players. Several athletes sharply criticize the Saints’ quarterback.
Drew Brees has caused outrage among several sports stars with comments about protesting football players.
In an interview with Yahoo! sports, the New Orleans Saints quarterback expressed his displeasure at protests against police violence on the field, as Colin Kaepernick did in 2016 when he got down on one knee during the national anthem.
“I will never agree with anyone who is disrespectful to the flag of the United States of America or our country,” said Brees.
His grandfathers both served in the war and defended the flag, the 41-year-old said. “Is everything okay in our country now? No, it’s not. We still have a long way to go. But I think when you stand there and pay your respects to the flag with your hand over your heart, it shows unity. It shows that we’re all in the same boat, that we can all do better and be part of the solution.”
LeBron: “You still don’t get it.”
NBA superstar LeBron James responded promptly with a Twitter post. “In fact, you still don’t understand why Kap went down on one knee. This has absolutely nothing to do with disrespect from us and our soldiers (men and women) who protect our country. My father-in-law was one of them,” wrote the Los Angeles Lakers’ forward.
Even Bree’s team-mate Michael Thomas voiced criticism: “We don’t care if you don’t agree and who else does,” the Saints professional wrote on Twitter.
Safety Malcolm Jenkins wrote: “If you don’t understand how hurtful and insensitive your comments are, you are part of the problem. I am disappointed and hurt.”