What do you make of Drew Brees comments about kneeling during the national anthem?

Sided NFL Talk

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Clicked on wrong side.. now come on it’s not disrespecting the flag it’s for a cause and if he cannot see that now.. he is blind to everything.. and I’m a fan of Brees

Bernard Thompson

These expressions are very powerful and shared by many. He obviously has a lot of love for his family and country and strong opinions on this issue. He's done a lot in NOLA since Katrina. He was born on MLK BDay. Having said that, I think this is surprisingly a bit short sighted and disappointing to read at this moment in time. First, there are no NFL games being played right now, so why, even if he was asked/probed by a reporter, does Brees feel the need to insert his personal reflections/bias and project onto others what might transpire a few months down the line? I would have preferred to hear his thoughts on the here and now. Second, not all NFL players, especially those who are black and have been personally been subjected to racism (or have family legacies embedded in historic) marginalization and injustice, view the flag and anthem in the same way that he does. People come from different backgrounds. You cannot have reconciliation without recognition. I expect the NFL to support black players better this time around. Who knows, maybe this time, everyone kneels.

Christopher Moreno

I’m all for showing solidarity protesting peacefully against this horrific act of racism and hate. Let’s show respect for our American Flag and all who have lost their lives protecting our country. How about everybody taking a knee right after the National Anthem at the 50 yard line? 100 plus players, coaches and owners showing solidarity!

Mitch Aranjo

The basic concept of what hes saying I understand, at the same time that just comes off as tone deaf.

Derrick McQuinn

It was never about the flag.  It was about bringing attention to police injustice.

Jason

Fuck Drew Brees, he's obviously choosing to be willfully ignorant.

I'd like to hear his suggestions about when all of America would tune in to hear even 1 second of the issues facing black Americans, since there NEVER seems to be an appropriate time or place.

Anthony Idol

Our parents came to this country in the 60’s and we all feel so blessed to have had a chance to make our lives here in the USA. 
This country has provided so many opportunities for myself and others and will always have the utmost respect for our flag.

Sergio Salgado

There is no middle ground here.  You either think kneeling during the National Anthem is disrespecting the flag or you don't.

Albert Long

Like Trotter said about Brees video.
“The more things change, the more...” You know the rest.
Ones like him will never get it...never.
Line has been drawn and he on the other team. BlackLivesMatter

Fran Taitague

i disagree WHOLEHEARTEDLY.  his is kneeling is not a slight toward the flag. it's a statement of unhappiness with certain systemic problems that are rampant.  this is precicesly what they(soldiers) fought for!  our right to the first amendment and to PEACEFULLY protest.  it obviously has people paying attention at the very least

MaryBeth Zmuda

So many layers, angles and insanely complex! I agree with his statement (although his timing really sucked) and whether he intended to or not, many feel he is tying the current protests and movement for Black Lives Matter, racism and police brutality with his opinion of disrespecting our flag, national anthem and country.  If that was truly his intention, I disagree with him. 

To me, two different issues. Like I wish Kaepernick chose a different way to leverage his platform and express a much needed statement, I wish Brees would have too. Kaepernick’s statement was perceived as a disrespect to our country and Brees’ statement is perceived as disrespect and disagreement to the movement... both I feel lost in interpretation but both messages individually, are solid.

It would be so awesome if Kaepernick and Brees got together, clarified and addressed the country as one!

Joe Rigby

He has every right to believe what he wants without people shouting him down. You can't tell people what to think!

Just like his grandpas I’ve fought for our country. My fight is the same  as he said his grandpas’ fought for the betterment of US. But has America become better. We integrated, got voting rights, can live wherever we can afford, became CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies but still have social injustices. So why should he stand. Why stand when America (which the flag represents) hasn’t stood up for us. Also, if KKK can rally, if the 1%’s can bike why can’t he kneel. He’s the only one of those that’s asking to thst all races be equal

Traye Hop

Drew just doesn't get it.. Kneeling doesn't disrespect the flag, it brings attention to the cause. The disrespect of the flag narrative is trump propaganda. The idea was given to kap by a military man and and as ex military I know it doesn't offend me more than the inequality in this country

jeremy rose

To me, Brees is saying that for 3 minutes, we need to put aside our difference, salute the flag and remember those who fought for freedom.  Our world is not THAT screwed up that we can not do that.

Why not kneel after a player scores and TD, basket, hits a HR, etc...

DANA

I feel exactly the way Drew feels. I respect the flag, the national anthem and any prayer or protocol that comes with a ceremony at a sports event or anywhere else. This country is the greatest on earth -  it does not matter whether or not you like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, neither or both -- we are one nation, under God----and no place on earth is better. Just ask someone who lives in another country.

Bob Rauch

The real problem with his statement is when he says "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country." 

I wouldn't have a problem with the rest of his argument if he was just explaining why he personally wouldn't kneel during the national anthem, but for him to disagree with anybody kneeling, that shows some real tone deafness

The Red Pimp

Paden Flaster

You demand free speech but only if it fits your narrative!

Brad Cohen

Very well written! Way to articulate your point, so others can learn!

Scott Kaplan

ADMIN

SUPERADMIN

How do you oppress the oppressed by telling them when to protest? Part of protest is making the oppressors uncomfortable and bringing light to a problem.

Darryl Sykes

Excellent concept! Welcome to Sided! Bring it...

Just does not care to see. He is like everyone else looking for criminal records to justify injustice.

Nathaniel Allison

I know can't believe Drew had to eat those words. I'm gonna shut my piehole!

Takes guts to say this today, now patriotism is racism if you're white and still do not condone kneeling during the anthem.

It also shows some real Texas. Brees grew up in a way that was always Patriotic, until now! I feel as if everyone who opposed kneeling is still opposed to kneeling during the Anthem, is now labeled a racist. I think the whole thing is rude, we should be focused on George Floyd not Drew Brees!