The New Orleans Saints quarterback draws backlash from fellow athletes after saying that he's still against kneeling during national anthem because it's 'disrespecting the flag.'

• Jun 4, 2020

AceShowbiz - Drew Brees has come under fire over his comment about kneeling protest that was started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016 during the national anthem at NFL games to protest police brutality and systemic racism. In the wake of George Floyd's death and the subsequent nationwide protests, the New Orleans Saints quarterback was asked by Yahoo Sports about the possibility of NFL players would continue the movement.

Drew, showing his stance in the movement, said that he's still against it and likened it to disrespecting the flag. "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," he responded. "Let me just tell you what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States."

The 41-year-old stressed though, "I love and respect my teammates, and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice." He added, "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."

His comments have drawn backlash from fellow athletes, including NBA star LeBron James who responded on Twitter, "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?? Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of [the flag] and our soldiers (men and women) who keep our land free."

The Los Angeles Lakers star continued, "My father-in-law was one of those men who fought as well for this country. I asked him question about it and thank him all the time for his commitment. 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."

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers similarly thinks that Drew misunderstands the point of kneeling. "A few years ago we were criticized for locking arms in solidarity before the game," he said. "It has NEVER been about an anthem or a flag. Not then. Not now. Listen with an open heart, let's educate ourselves, and then turn word and thought into action."

Even his teammate Malcolm Jenkins also took issue with Drew's comments. In a now-deleted video, he said he was "hurt" by Drew's comments and that they were "extremely self-centered." He added, "Our communities are under siege and we need help. And what you're telling us is don't ask for help that way, ask for it a different way."

Malcolm emotionally told his teammate, "I can't listen to it when you ask that way. We're done asking, Drew. And people who share your sentiments, who express those, and push them throughout the world, the airwaves, are the problem. And it's unfortunate because I considered you a friend. I looked up to you. You're somebody who I had a great deal of respect for. But sometimes you should shut the f**k up."

Malcolm later posted another video, saying that "even though we're teammates, I can't let this slide."

Another New Orleans Saints player, Michael Thomas, wrote on Twitter, "He don't know no better. We don't care if you don't agree and whoever else how about that." Former Saints teammate Kenny Vaccaro commented on Michael's post, "That one hurt bro."