Baker Mayfield made his feelings about anthem protests 100 percent clear ahead of the 2020 season. The Cleveland Browns quarterback will take a knee during the national anthem in an effort to protest racial injustice.
“Pull your head out. I absolutely am,” he wrote in an Instagram comment on Saturday in response to a question about kneeling.
Mayfield has shown a number of signs of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. During a recent workout, he wore an “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt in reference to the words of George Floyd and Eric Garner, two victims of police brutality. Mayfield further detailed his thoughts on why he will kneel.
“Everybody so upset about my comment doesn’t understand the reason behind kneeling in the first place,” Mayfield wrote in an Instagram story on Saturday. “I have the utmost respect for our military, cops, and people that serve OUR country. It’s about equality and everybody being treated the same because we are all human. It’s been ignored for too long and that it my fault as well for not becoming more educated and staying silent.”
“If I lose fans, that’s OK. I’ve always spoken my mind. And that’s from the heart.”
Mayfield won’t be the only white player showing support for the Black community. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he will discuss racial injustice at length with his players. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien said he will participate in the protests by kneeling, too. Texans defensive end J.J. Watt indicated he supports those who will protest during the anthem.
