Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Saints quarterback Drew Brees is facing backlash for his Colin Kaepernick comments.
The Bayou is a beacon for the African-American community, but New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees undoubtedly betrayed that trust in the eyes of many.
On Wednesday, Brees stated he has yet to come around on the ideals set forth by the peaceful protest of Colin Kaepernick, who hasn’t played an NFL down since 2016. Brees believes kneeling during the national anthem is disrespectful towards the American flag.
Kaepernick, of course, peacefully protested police brutality and racial inequality by kneeling during the anthem before NFL games, an act he sought pre-approval for from retired Army Green Beret Nate Boyer. Yet, Brees and those who think like him, struggle to look past their predetermined views. They suggest Kaepernick doesn’t value the sacrifice made by our forefathers, and by that the very standard the American flag symbolizes.
How did Drew Brees Saints’ teammates react to his Colin Kaepernick comments?
Saints teammates Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, and Emmanuel Sanders all subtweeted their quarterback, while Malcolm Jenkins released a video directing some foul language in his direction. Given the current state of NFL facilities — that being that they aren’t open — it’s safe to assume the Saints might need more than a video call to solve these tensions.
With protests arising throughout the country over the wrongful death of George Floyd, the timing couldn’t have been worse for Brees to disagree with a figure of Kaepernick’s stature.
As Brees is finding out, this is not a time for white Americans to project their views onto others, especially not minorities. If we’ve learned anything from this past week, it’s this exact series of events — trying to solve racial issues in the United States from the mindset of caucasians — doesn’t take into account the views of countless minorities who deserve an equal amount of seat at the proverbial table.
Discounting Kaepernick’s methods, even four years later, does exactly that.