NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Drew Brees apologized Thursday for comments that were “insensitive and completely missed the mark” when he reiterated his opposition to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, drawing sharp criticism from fellow high-profile athletes and others in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Brees like many whites, just don’t get it and that is why when they issue a statement of support they don’t really mean it. “Oh yeah I support you as long as you don’t offend anyone”.
White man whiffs on racism, everyone notices, film at 11.
OHhh, the tweets from his fans are not happy.
Finally, someone must have schooled him on the reality of the knee protest. It’s not about the Flag. It’s not about the Military. It’s about racial injustice against People Of Color-specifically Black Boys and Men by the Militarized Law Enforcement in this country. What could also be added in is the injustices of the criminal justice system which penalizes a disproportionate number of Black & Brown people to more lengthily jail sentences than their White counter parts for the same crimes.
Im sure he voted for Trump. For the tax cut.
Seriously, being white is getting to be an embarrassment, with clueless jocks like this spouting off.
Drew doesn’t have to worry about being stopped for “driving while white.”
Those who are the main beneficiaries of white male privilege are usually oblivious to it.
That statement illustrates why these guys pay attorneys … written like a pro.
You will be surprised to know the reasons some people voted for Trump. I know a hispanic guy that supported Trump because he wanted tools (hammers & screwdrivers) made in the US again. When I questioned him about Trumps anti-Mexican rhetoric, he dismissed it as “that’s just to win the election, he doesn’t really mean it”.
Brees took a step here. I remain hopeful that many will change their perspective out of this experience.
All that said, what I’ve never understood about those who were offended by black players kneeling in protest during the national anthem in regards to police brutality is why those folks aren’t similarly offended by confederate flag displays? The confederate flag is the literal symbol of treason.
The answer to that question, imho, is that white players like Brees benefit from the support of confederate flag types or are simply from those communities where the flag isn’t regarded with hostility but don’t have to pay any of the costs of the white supremacy that it represents and which manifests in police conduct towards minorities. I think it has been a real challenge to get a lot of white folks to grasp those types of connections. Hopefully, these protests are changing the minds of more white Americans.
and “anyone I hurt with my comments yesterday.”
A classic non-apology apology.
Yep. Not written by him.
A reminder here that these guys are professional athletes. These are not politicians or community leaders. All of them are relatively young and many of them lack the formal education to even be aware of issues that don’t directly affect them.
That’s not to say they are off the hook for saying things that are wrong and at best unintentionally racist, but I’m not sure we should care what they think in the first place… There job is to take the ball and score the points. I expect a high level of critical thinking from my interns.
I don’t even know who Drew Brees is, other than, given the article, he’s obviously some entitled football jock who thinks his opinion matters.
Pfft!
Brees was born and raised in Texas. He grew up with the Confederate flag.
From “Kneeling is disrespectful to the flag” yesterday to “My comments were insensitive and completely off the mark” today. I don’t think you can honestly do a 180 like that in a single day. I read his apology as "My lawyer and team owner convinced me my career was over unless I tweeted this text written by the Saints Public Relations. "
More importantly, I do not want to offend any members of my offensive line as I don’t heal nearly as fast as I used to heal.
Yes. His high school was Robert E. Lee High, I believe. He’s always come across as more thoughtful and enlightened than he apparently is.
exactly. Brees doesn’t admit that what he said was ignorant and wrong — rather he puts the onus on those who “perceived” his comments in a way he hadn’t intended. The closest he gets to an apology is saying they were “insensitive and completely missed the mark” – all he is “apologizing” for is phrasing.
Brees is a perfect example of white privilege. He insists that he be judged based on his intentions – but refuses to provide Kaepernick with the same privilege. Instead, Brees demands the right to ignore everything Kaepernick has said and done to make it clear that his protests have nothing to do with disrespecting the flag and the military. Brees is saying “ignore what this black player is saying about his protest – I’ll tell you how to interpret his actions”.
The great majority of professional athletes have college degrees. Drew Brees is 41 years old. Your statements don’t wash.
