United States President Donald Trump weighed in Friday on the controversy sparked by Drew Brees' comments about players potentially kneeling during the national anthem.
The New Orleans Saints quarterback said on Wednesday he would "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag" by protesting during the anthem. Brees' statement drew the ire of players across the league, including several of his teammates, who reiterated that the protests are against police brutality and racial injustice, not the American flag.
Following the backlash, Brees apologized twice on Thursday.
The president tweeted Friday that Brees "should not have taken back his original stance."
I am a big fan of Drew Brees. I think he’s truly one of the greatest quarterbacks, but he should not have taken back his original stance on honoring our magnificent American Flag. OLD GLORY is to be revered, cherished, and flown high...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
...We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
Trump was vehemently against players kneeling during the national anthem when protests took place in the NFL back in 2016.
