New York Giants owner John Mara doesn't agree with defensive end Olivier Vernon kneeling during the national anthem.
Numerous players have taken a knee during the pregame ritual to protest police brutality and racial inequality, in some cases continuing throughout the season. It has been a point of contention for the majority of the year, and Mara reiterated his stance against Vernon's protest.
"I've talked to him about his kneeling and I’ve told him how much I would prefer that he stand and we’ve talked about why he does that,” Mara said to ESPN New York. "As some people know, his father is a retired police officer in South Florida. He said he’s talked to his father about it and his father supports his decision. . . .
"I don't agree with what he's doing, but I told him that I respect him as a man, I respect him as a player. I’m going to try to convince him to stand and I think at some point that he will, but this is something that he believes very deeply in and it’s going to be an individual decision. I know that's not a popular decision. I know by virtue of me telling you this right now that’s going to prompt a few hundred more letters and emails, but that’s the way it is."
Vernon didn't respond to Mara's comments but it's unlikely either party is going to change their stance as the Giants' nightmare season forges on.
