Saints quarterback Drew Brees told ESPN he “wholeheartedly disagrees” with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to remain seated during the national anthem, in part because Brees believes the American flag is “sacred.”
“He can speak out about a very important issue, but there’s plenty of other ways that you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn’t involve being disrespectful to the American flag,” Brees said.
Players and coaches across the league have been weighing in Kaepernick’s protest. At least thus far, Brees has made some of the strongest on-record comments against Kapernick’s choice.
“The great thing about this country is that we have the freedoms that allow you to speak out openly about any issue, so I’m not commenting on the issue itself because any person has the right to speak out on any issue they want,” Brees said. “That’s the great thing about being an American. But the American flag is what represents those freedoms. It represents the very freedom that Colin Kaepernick gets the opportunity to exercise by speaking out his opinion in a peaceful manner about that issue.
“Like, it’s an oxymoron that you’re sitting down, disrespecting that flag that has given you the freedom to speak out.”
Brees reinforced his opinion when he tweeted Monday night that he agrees “with his protest” but not Kaepernick’s method.
Brees has family members who served in the military and has long been involved with groups and events that support the military.
“When I look at that flag, I think about [my family members] too,” Brees said. “I think about a lot of things. Like when I stand and listen to the national anthem with my hand over my heart, there [are] emotions that well up inside of me.
“Like, I could shed a tear every time the national anthem plays if I would allow myself because it’s that powerful.”
