New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees came under significant fire from not only the African American community, but from teammates for comments he made to Yahoo about flag protests during the national anthem. Two of those were from former Ohio State players Michael Thomas and Malcolm Jenkins.
In those comments, Brees said “I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.” He went on to say that standing during the anthem with your hand of your heart as a team was a sign of unity.
Those comments blew up. The city, his teammates, and many, many others were quick and sharp with his comments in the wake of the tragic death of George Flynn while in police custody.
Brees has since come out with an apology for what he deemed his insensitive remarks.
You can read the context of the full apology on the next page. Hopefully, Brees and others that can drive change in this country can begin and continue to light a path that will make a difference in how the African American community is treated both in general, and by those in position of authority.
Next … The full context of Brees’ apology
Drew Brees full apology for comments made to Yahoo
“I would like to apologize to my friends, teammates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone I hurt with my comments yesterday. In speaking with some of you, it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused.”
“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. They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character.”
“This is where I stand:”
“I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference.”
“I condemn the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today.”
“I acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community.”
“I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement.”
“I will never know what it’s like to be a black man or raise black children in America but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right.”
“I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy.”
“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…and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen.”
“For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness.”
Let’s at least give Brees some credit here. He made some insensitive and tone-deaf remarks but has quickly asked for forgiveness and issues an apology. That’s more than others have done and hopefully he’ll be an agent of change going forward.
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