GOP Dead Is the NFL Next?

[JackLuis]

Fury as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees criticizes NFL kneeling protests

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sparked a furious backlash as he refused to support renewed NFL kneeling protests on Wednesday, saying to do so would be “disrespecting” the United States flag.

As a wave of demonstrations against police brutality and racism sweeps across the US, many athletes have voiced support for former NFL star Colin Kaepernick, who ignited controversy in 2016 by kneeling during the US national anthem.

NBA superstar LeBron James led the criticism, writing on Twitter: “WOW MAN!! 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.”

The New England Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning twins Devin and Jason McCourty branded Brees’s comments “a disgrace.”

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t mention Brees by name, but stated bluntly in a post on Instagram: “It has NEVER been about an anthem or a flag. Not then. Not now.”

“Listen with an open heart, let’s educate ourselves, and then turn word and thought into action.”

“He don’t know no better,” Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas wrote on Twitter. “We don’t care if you don’t agree and whoever else how about that.”

Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins, who has been called the new face of the NFL protests, described Brees as “self-centred” in an emotional rebuke posted on social media.

“Drew Brees if you don’t understand how hurtful and insensitive your comments are then you are part of the problem… I am disappointed, I am hurt. Even though we are teammates, I can’t let this slide,” said Jenkins, who signed with the Saints two months ago.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees apologizes for anthem protests remarks: ‘Breaks my heart to know the pain I caused’

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Thursday issued a formal apology after he criticized fellow NFL players who protested police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.

“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 wrote. “They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy.”

Brees also said that “it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused.”

 

[JackLuis]

NFL Commissioner Goodell apologizes for league’s indifference to players’ protests against racism

On Friday, CNN reported that National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell is acknowledging his organization turned a blind eye when his athletes took a knee to protest racism and police violence, and issued a formal apology.

“We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” Goodell said in a newly released Instagram video. “It has been a difficult time for our country. In particular, black people in our country. First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality.”

Is he going to reinstate Kap now, or is that just tough titty?