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Jermichael Finley: Protests by Lynch, Bennett just a 'marketing tool'

Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

While many have commended NFL players for using their platform to push the agenda on social issues, former tight end Jermichael Finley is not buying into the protests of players like Marshawn Lynch and Michael Bennett.

After Lynch and Bennett sat out the national anthem over the weekend, the ex-Green Bay Packer took to Twitter on Monday to share a rather unpopular opinion.

Finley deleted the remarks, but was contacted by TMZ Sports to further discuss player protests and called bluff on the pair of stars.

"It's more of marketing, it's not really in their heart that they really want to do that," said Finley. "But once again, I think it's a selfish reason I really do."

Related: Goodell on Lynch sitting through anthem: 'People do have rights'

The retired pass-catcher believes football players shouldn't use their platform to make political remarks, pointing to Colin Kaepernick's lack of a job as an example why players shouldn't speak out.

"It is the NFL and guys do have a platform for positive reasons. As you can see, Kaepernick can't find a job for that reason," said Finley. "I think go out and play football and do what you're supposed to do and not worry about the worldly things that's going on."

Finley also took a shot at Kaepernick for the same thing Michael Vick had done weeks ago, saying the quarterback should cut his hair if he's not just looking for attention.

"The afro puff? Cut that off your head or braid it or something."

The 30-year-old said that he knows from experience that it is easy for NFL players to gain relevancy or keep it by making public statements.

"It's a marketing tool," said Finley. "I can use my name, my face to get out there and when hot topics come across, I want to jump on it because it's a marketing tool it's going to keep you hot."

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