Jaguars president apologizes to city official for players kneeling during anthem

Jaguars president Mark Lamping apologized to a Jacksonville official for players kneeling during the national anthem against the Baltimore Ravens last month in London, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.

Lamping sent a letter to Bill Spann, the city's director of military affairs and veterans, on Oct. 6.

"It bears repeating that we were remiss in not fully comprehending the effect of the national anthem demonstration occurring on foreign soil has had on the men and women who have or continue to serve our country," Lamping wrote. "Similarly, we today can better appreciate how standing for God Save The Queen may have been viewed negatively by our armed forces here in Jacksonville and beyond. As covered during our conversation on Thursday, this was an oversight and certainly not intended to send a message that would disparage you, our flag or our nation. The notion never entered the minds of our players or anyone affiliated with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but today we can understand how the events in London on September 24 could have been viewed or misinterpreted. We owe you an apology and hope you will accept it."

Lamping, owner Shad Khan, and executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin also met with Spann to discuss the issue.

Spann passed the letter on to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, who attended the Sept. 24 game in London. Curry stated two days later that it was "stupid" for players to kneel.