New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is issuing a statement of apology following backlash over his latest remarks about former NFL player Colin Kaepernick’s silent protest during the National Anthem.
On Thursday morning, the record-setting quarterback took to Instagram with a lengthy statement, admitting that he likely “missed the mark” on the racially-charged issues currently plaguing the country.
“In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country,” Brees said.
Brees went on to acknowledge the plight of “systemic racial injustice and police brutality” while condemning “the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today.”
“I am sick about the way my comments were perceived yesterday, but I take full responsibility and accountability. I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening,” Brees wrote, later adding, “For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness.”
See Brees’ post below:
Brees’ apology comes one day after his comments made during an interview with Yahoo! News.
At the time, Brees was actually asked about Kaepernick’s previous protest and the possibility of it being seen in the upcoming 2020-2021 football season. In 2016, Kaepernick was deeply criticized for opting to kneel in silent protest against police brutality during the national anthem.
With deaths of Armaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and everything that has transpired up to this point, Brees was asked how he believes the NFL should respond and what would be his responsibility as a leader in the event players opt to silently protest again.
Brees immediately defended the flag while expressing what it personally means to him.
“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” Brees said.
See Brees’ interview below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N5ynPUyzAs
Almost immediately after the interview aired, Brees was met with opposition from his teammates, fans, and other professional athletes including LeBron James.
Be a better ally…
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) June 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/MarcusJD84/status/1268317978598223873
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) June 3, 2020
WOW MAN!! 🤦🏾♂️. Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn’t! You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee?? Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of 🇺🇸 and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free. My father-in-law was one of those https://t.co/pvUWPmh4s8
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 3, 2020
Saints wide receiver Malcolm Jenkins also took to Instagram with his reaction to Brees’ remarks.
Former Saints star Marques Colston also urged Brees to open his mind and “be humble enough to hear and experience someone else’s pain,” which is what Brees has vowed to do, going forward.
