New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has drawn the ire of NBA superstar LeBron James and even some of his own NFL teammates after he said that those who kneel during the national anthem are disrespecting the American flag.
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In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Brees was asked about the possibility of players protesting against racial injustice by kneeling during the anthem when the NFL's 2020 season kicks off in September.
Colin Kaepernick popularised the gesture in 2016 while a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
He has not been signed by an NFL team since that season. "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," Brees said before explaining that when he hears the anthem he thinks of his two grandfathers who served in the military.
"Is everything right with our country right now? No, it's not. We still have a long away to go. "But, I think what you do by standing there and showing respect for the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity."
Anthem demonstrations have all but disappeared but some feel they could return as the death of George Floyd on May 25 sparked protests across the United States over police brutality.
The comments from Brees did not sit well with a number of athletes, including three-times NBA champion James. "WOW MAN!! Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn't! You literally still don't understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??" the Los Angeles Lakers forward posted on Twitter.
"Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of Flag of United States and our soldiers(men and women) who keep our land free."
James said his father-in-law fought for the US and that he asked him questions about it and thanks him all the time.
"He never found Kap peaceful protest offensive because he and I both know what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong! God bless you.
" Other to denounce Brees for his comments include Saints wide receivers Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and New England Patriots brothers Jason and Devin McCourty.
Brees has since provided a statement to ESPN: "I love and respect my teammates and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice.
"I also stand with my grandfathers who risked their lives for this country and countless other military men and women who do it on a daily basis."
Australian Associated Press
