While Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said he was willing to listen and learn as the protests over the murder of George Floyd continue, Saints QB Drew Brees is showing that he’s still willfully ignorant.
Floyd’s death has reminded people of the peaceful protest Colin Kaepernick started in response to the killing of unarmed black individuals by the police back in 2016. Kaepernick’s decision to kneel for the national anthem was one of the most controversial stories in all of sports over the past five years. However, his message was high-jacked and politicized.
Instead of listening to Kaepernick, many — including Brees — chose to perceive the protest as disrespecting the American flag. Brees’ previous anti-kneeling comments resurfaced and when asked about it, New Orleans’ quarterback doubled down.
And, as you would expect, Brees got roasted on Twitter from fans, athletes, analysts and players, including some of Brees’ teammates. Many were critical of his stance considering the current state of the country. Let’s look at some of that backlash over the past 24 hours.
Brees would apologize on Thursday morning, saying he was sorry to anyone he had hurt with his comments.
But for many, the damage was already done and his apology is too little, too late.
Some Saints teammates accepted Brees’ apology, though, including Demario Davis and Craig Robertson.
Damage control can only do so much at this point, and since Brees is 41 years old, you would think he’d be aware of the type of reaction there would be.
And while it’s noble of Brees — or his public relations people — to admit he made a mistake, however, one has to wonder how this incident will affect the Saints’ locker room in 2020.
