Kenny Stills will continue to kneel during the national anthem with his hand over his heart to "continue drawing attention to the important issues we face as a society," he said in a written statement Tuesday.
Stills, and teammates Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins and Michael Thomas jumped into a national controversy Sunday in Seattle by kneeling during the Star-Spangled Banner in protest of the treatment of African-Americans by police.
Stills, a wide receiver in his second year with the Dolphins, had largely let Foster explain the thinking behind the demonstration. But on Tuesday, he decided to speak for himself.
His reasoning: To bring "awareness to social injustice."
Stills, who has come under fire by many for his decision to kneel during the anthem's playing on Sept. 11, said his demonstration was "in no way" intended to be a sign of disrespect.
"I love my country," Stills said. "And I have the utmost respect for the servicemen and women who have _ for hundreds of years _ sacrificed on our behalf. It is because if them that we have the freedom to help give a voice to the voiceless."
However, Stills said the time for solidarity is now, and to acknowledge that we "have to treat each other with more love and respect."
Most significantly: Stills said the "overwhelming number of innocent people being killed right in front of our eyes is wholly unacceptable."
Stills demanded justice for the victims of what he called "senseless acts."
Stills did thank the "honest, hard-working" law enforcement officers who "care deeply about protecting and serving communities." But in the next sentence, he said the country can do more to protect its more vulnerable citizens.
Stills made clear that his protest will not end with last Sunday's game. But he added that he will continue to put his hand over his heart to "honor the people who make our country so special."
"Those who want us all to have the opportunity to enjoy our freedoms equally," Stills continued. "Those who see the light in all of us."
Stills added that his education on these issues will continue with the help of Stephen Ross' RISE initiative, whose goal is to fight racism and foster civility.
"As we travel this path together, I'll pay special attention to become a part of the solution in improving the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve."
Still was one of six Dolphins players to distribute school supplies to 100 Miami-Dade and Broward children in need at Dave & Busters in Hollywood on Tuesday.
