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Adrian Peterson: Drew Brees Should Have Thought Before Kneeling Comments

Jun 5, 2020
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) hands the ball off to running back Adrian Peterson during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) hands the ball off to running back Adrian Peterson during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson said Friday that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees should have "thought it out more" before sharing this thoughts about protesting by kneeling during the national anthem, via Fox 26's Mark Berman:

Peterson said Brees is "not a racist at all" and noted that he has "a lot of love" for him but that he should have "tried to look at things in a different view."

Peterson added that he plans to kneel for the national anthem during the upcoming NFL season: 

During an interview with Yahoo Finance on Wednesday, Brees said he would "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America" in reference to kneeling during the anthem:

Saints teammates Malcolm Jenkins and Michael Thomas and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James were among those who called out Brees for his comments.  

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 2016 to protest police brutality against people of color and racial injustice.

Brees' comments came after George Floyd, a black man, was killed while in the custody of Minneapolis police on Memorial Day.

Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd to the ground with his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, while the other three officers present—Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Keung and Tou Thao—have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

The killing of Floyd has sparked protests in the U.S. and internationally against systemic racism.

On Thursday, Brees issued an apology on Instagram, saying he "completely missed the mark." Brees also wrote: "I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference."

Following Brees' apology, Saints linebacker Demario Davis told CNN it was "leadership at its finest" for Brees to admit he was wrong.

Peterson and Brees spent four games as teammates in 2017 before the Saints traded Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals.

The 35-year-old Peterson is a future Hall of Famer with seven Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro nods and one NFL MVP award to his credit. His 14,216 career rushing yards are fifth on the all-time list and second to only Frank Gore among active players.

Brees will undoubtedly join Peterson in Canton, Ohio, as he is the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He is also a 13-time Pro Bowler and led the Saints to their only Super Bowl win in franchise history.

The Redskins picked up an option in Peterson's contract to keep him for the 2020 campaign, while Brees signed a two-year deal to return to the Saints this offseason.

Donald Trump: Saints' Drew Brees Shouldn't Have Apologized for Kneeling Comments

Jun 5, 2020
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) warms up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) warms up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

President Donald Trump has commented on Drew Brees' statement earlier this week about NFL players disrespecting the American flag by kneeling during the national anthem.

Trump tweeted that Brees shouldn't have apologized for his comments:

During an interview with Yahoo Finance's Daniel Roberts on Wednesday, Brees was asked about the possibility of players kneeling during the national anthem in the upcoming season.

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America," the New Orleans Saints quarterback said.

Brees was roundly criticized for the comments, including from fellow NFL players and some of his Saints teammates. 

"Drew Brees, if you don't understand how hurtful, how insensitive your comments are, you are part of the problem," Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins said in a video posted on Instagram. 

Brees issued two apologies on Thursday in a statement and video on Instagram.

Trump has spoken out in the past about players kneeling during the national anthem. At a rally in September 2017, Trump suggested NFL team owners fire those players and say, "get that son of a b---h off the field." 

Warren Moon Talks Drew Brees' Apology for Kneeling Comments: 'It's a Start'

Jun 5, 2020
Warren Moon is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Warren Moon is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon said the New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees must turn his apology into action following backlash about his comments concerning the American flag amid nationwide protests about the killing of George Floyd while in Minneapolis Police custody last week.

Moon told TMZ Sports in an interview released Friday he knows Brees personally and believes he "got so wrapped up into his beliefs on the national anthem and the flag that he forgot to open his eyes and listen to what was being said by others."

"I don't know if the apology is going to be enough, but at least it's a start," Moon said. "I think he has to maybe now get out there and try and do some things physically to show that he's putting his money where his mouth is and maybe get on camera to talk about those things so people can look him in the face, look him in the eye, and see if he's sincere or not."

The Saints quarterback made the initial comments Wednesday when asked by Daniel Roberts of Yahoo Finance about the potential return of kneeling for the national anthem during the 2020 NFL season:

Brees issued a statement and a video apology Thursday on Instagram.

"I acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community. I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement. I will never know what it's like to be a black man or raise black children in America, but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right.

"I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy."

Moon told TMZ he's going to give Brees the benefit of the doubt.

"I know Drew as a person, and I just don't think that's him ... I just think he needs to—and like a lot of other people around this country—they just need to listen, they need to learn, and they need to see what's going on," Moon said.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, who was critical of Brees' initial remarks, said he accepted the apology and shifted focus back to the movement for racial equality:

Brees is a 19-year NFL veteran who's spent the past 14 seasons in New Orleans. He signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints in March.

Alvin Kamara Details Experiences with Racism, Social Injustice in Twitter Thread

Jun 4, 2020
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara detailed his personal history with racism in a lengthy Twitter thread Thursday.

The comments come amid nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

Comments from Saints quarterback Drew Brees elicited backlash Wednesday when he said he wouldn't approve of players kneeling during the national anthem to protest.

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," he told Yahoo Finance.

This was met with widespread criticism, including from other NFL players and multiple Saints teammates, such as Malcolm Jenkins, Michael Thomas and more. 

Kamara didn't reference Brees by name but simply tweeted "oop..." on Wednesday.

Brees apologized Thursday in an Instagram post, noting that he "missed the mark."

"I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening...and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen," the 41-year-old said.

Kamara is taking the first step in sharing his stories.

Tom Brady, Saints Reportedly Had 'Serious' Mutual Interest If Drew Brees Retired

Jun 4, 2020
FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2020, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gestures to a teammate before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans in Foxborough, Mass. A highlight of the opening weekend of the NFL season will have Brady's regular-season debut with Tampa Bay against Drew Brees at New Orleans on Sept. 13 — the first matchup of 40-plus quarterbacks in NFL history. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2020, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gestures to a teammate before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans in Foxborough, Mass. A highlight of the opening weekend of the NFL season will have Brady's regular-season debut with Tampa Bay against Drew Brees at New Orleans on Sept. 13 — the first matchup of 40-plus quarterbacks in NFL history. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

The New Orleans Saints reportedly had a good chance to sign Tom Brady if Drew Brees had retired after last season. 

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, Brady was watching the Saints' situation with Brees "closely," and both sides would have had "serious" mutual interest if Brees walked away. 

After the Minnesota Vikings eliminated the Saints from the postseason, Brees took time to decide if he wanted to return for a 20th season. 

Brees told Amie Just of the Times-Picayune in January he would wait until after the Super Bowl to make an announcement: "I'm really waiting until football is totally done. ... I kind of have a process in mind. And I'll give it a month or so."

The Saints eventually agreed to a two-year, $50 million contract with Brees on March 17, the same day Brady announced on Instagram he wouldn't return to the New England Patriots. 

Sean Payton's offensive scheme would have made Brady a natural fit in New Orleans. The Saints tend to rely on short, quick-rhythm throws and play-action passes that create space for receivers, which has helped Brees complete at least 70 percent of his attempts in each of the past four seasons. 

Brees' return opened the door for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to land Brady. He signed a fully guaranteed two-year, $50 million deal with the Bucs. 

Brady will be able to show the Saints what they could have had in Week 1. The Buccaneers will travel to New Orleans for a showdown with their NFC South rival on Sept. 13. 

Alvin Kamara: Time 'To Be Part of the Solution' After Talking to Drew Brees

Jun 4, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 16: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints hands the ball to Alvin Kamara #41 against the Indianapolis Colts at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 16: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints hands the ball to Alvin Kamara #41 against the Indianapolis Colts at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara said he spoke to teammate Drew Brees after the quarterback said Wednesday he would "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," comments he has since apologized for making. 

Kamara said Thursday that "it's time for us to be part of the solution, not the problem" on Twitter:

Brees made his original remarks during an interview with Yahoo Finance's Daniel Roberts, who asked him how the NFL should handle the possibility of players kneeling during the playing of the national anthem this season—in the same way Colin Kaepernick did to protest racial discrimination and police brutality in 2016—given the protests happening around the world:

Brees' remarks were met with immediate backlash, with many of his own teammates calling him out:

Brees apologized for his comments Thursday morning:

Saints players Michael Thomas and Demario Davis said they accepted the apology:

Brees' apology was the first step in repairing any potential fractures it created in the Saints locker room. But at a time when protesters around the world are making their voices heard about the very issues Kaepernick was raising awareness of in 2016, Brees' initial tone-deaf remarks were reminiscent of an NFL power structure that largely attempted to stifle Kaepernick's voice four years ago and hasn't signed him since. 

Nate Boyer, Green Beret Who Inspired Kaepernick, Responds to Drew Brees' Comments

Jun 4, 2020
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Former green beret and NFL long snapper Nate Boyer commented Thursday on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' take regarding players kneeling during the national anthem. 

During an interview with Yahoo Finance, Brees said he would "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America" by kneeling during the anthem:

Boyer, who convinced then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to kneel rather than sit during the anthem while protesting racial inequality and police brutality in 2016, offered his take on Brees' comments and who Brees is as a person during an appearance on Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan in San Diego (h/t Radio.com's Tim Kelly):

"I'll just speak on the Drew Brees thing really quickly—he's a really good dude, man. He does a lot for the city of New Orleans, for the community, whether it's post-Katrina or helping secure voting rights for formerly incarcerated people in Louisiana—he helped lead that charge with some of the Saints' players. ... But the fact of the matter is that we've gotta—for these guys that are working really hard in the league, a lot of these players—make sure that the narrative is understood that the protests are about racial inequality, social injustice and police brutality and that kneeling during the anthem was a mechanism to raise that attention and to get those voices heard. But it's not about disrespecting the flag or disrespecting the military and I think Drew knows that."

On Thursday, Brees took to Instagram to apologize for his comments, saying he "completely missed the mark" and that he "stand[s] with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support[s] the creation of real policy change that will make a difference."

Racial inequality and police brutality have been a major topic of discussion in the United States over the past week following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last Monday. Floyd died in police custody after officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes despite Floyd saying he couldn't breathe.

Chauvin was fired, arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for Floyd's death. Protests have been held in cities across the United States in the 10 days since Floyd's killing.

Boyer also said that while Brees has a right to feel patriotic, he should also understand why some choose to kneel during the anthem:

"I also understand what he was talking about in the other part of that video when the anthem plays, because I feel the same way. And that's not a bad thing to feel patriotic. It's not a bad thing to love your country and want to stand with your hand on your heart. But if other people don't feel the same way, it's just that acknowledgment and understanding that, 'Hey, I'll stand for you, and until you feel that way, maybe you shouldn't. But when you do, I'm looking forward to the day that you feel the same way that I do and I'll keep fighting to make it happen until that day comes.'"

Brees, 41, is set to enter his 20th NFL season and his 15th with the Saints in 2020. He is the NFL's all-time leader in both passing yardage and passing touchdowns, and he is a surefire future Hall of Famer.

The 13-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion signed a two-year contract with the Saints in free agency this offseason after mulling retirement.

Saints' Michael Thomas Says He Accepts Drew Brees' Apology About Kneeling in NFL

Jun 4, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 27: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 27, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 27: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 27, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas supported teammate Drew Brees after Brees apologized for recent comments he made criticizing the national anthem protest movement started by Colin Kaepernick

Brees spoke out against kneeling during the anthem when Kaepernick first began protesting in 2016. His stance hadn't changed when interviewed by Yahoo Sports' Daniel Roberts:

Brees issued an apology Thursday on social media. Thomas responded to the apology on Twitter:

Kaepernick told NFL Network's Steve Wyche in August 2016 he wasn't going to stand for the anthem and "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

Many have turned their attention toward those comments in the wake of George Floyd's killing.

Floyd was removed from his vehicle by Minneapolis police officers who were investigating an alleged forgery in progress. A video showed one officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes despite Floyd saying he couldn't breathe. He died later at a local hospital.

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Wednesday he was upgrading a murder charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder. The three other officers involved are facing a charge of aiding and abetting a murder.

Across the country, demonstrators have marched through cities and protested to demand action addressing police brutality and systemic racism, issues Kapernick highlighted almost four years ago.

Brees' comments echoed one of the loudest arguments made against the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback.

Beyond misinterpreting the purpose of Kaepernick's protest, Slate's Joel Anderson explained how military veterans aren't a monolith. Some returned home from serving and continued to be the victims of discrimination.

For Thomas, Brees' apology appears to have been enough to ease his mind. Others, however, might echo the thoughts of NFL Network's Jim Trotter, who's waiting to see the 13-time Pro Bowler put more actions behind his words.

Saints' Demario Davis Says Drew Brees' Apology Is 'Leadership at Its Finest'

Jun 4, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints take the field during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints take the field during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis responded to an apology issued by Drew Brees following the quarterback's controversial comments about players protesting during the national anthem. 

Appearing on CNN, Davis called Brees' apology "leadership at its finest."

"I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," Brees told Daniel Roberts of Yahoo Finance on Wednesday. 

The comments caused widespread backlash, including from teammates Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. 

https://twitter.com/Cantguardmike/status/1268224561008574465

Brees issued a statement on Instagram Thursday morning:

"In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country. They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character."

"I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference.
I condemn the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today. I acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community.
I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement.
I will never know what it’s like to be a black man or raise black children in America but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right.

"I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy. I am sick about the way my comments were perceived yesterday, but I take full responsibility and accountability. I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening...and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen.
For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness."

Davis has become an outspoken advocate for social justice throughout his NFL career. Per Amie Just of NOLA.com, he has helped bail out an immigration activist who was being detained by ICE, donated money and water to Flint, Michigan, and delivered toys and food to families at the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year. 

Gayle Benson, owner of the Saints and Pelicans, announced the formation of the Social Justice Leadership Coalition this week amid the ongoing protests after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25.

Davis, along with Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick, are leading the coalition that is committed to building toward social change. 

Drew Brees Apologizes for Comments on Kneeling: I 'Completely Missed the Mark'

Jun 4, 2020
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)

After receiving backlash for his comments regarding players kneeling during the playing of the national anthem Wednesday, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees apologized Thursday on Instagram:

"I would like to apologize to my friends, teammates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone I hurt with my comments yesterday. In speaking with some of you, it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused. In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country. They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character."

In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Brees said he will "stand right there with [his teammates] in fighting for racial equality and justice" but added that he will never agree with "disrespecting the flag."

Kneeling during the anthem first became a point of discussion in 2016 when then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the first player to do so in protest against racial inequality, social injustice and police brutality.

The conversation has intensified since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. Officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd to the ground with his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes and refused to move despite Floyd saying on multiple occasions he couldn't breathe.

Chauvin has been fired, arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers at the scene have also been charged with aiding and abetting.

Since Floyd's death, protests have been held in major cities across the United States, including Brees' adopted hometown of New Orleans.

As part of his Instagram post, which included a photo of a black person and white person grasping hands, Brees vowed to stand alongside the black community in its fight for justice and equality:

"I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference. I condemn the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today. I acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community. I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement."

When discussing his feelings on kneeling during the anthem Wednesday, Brees cited his desire to appreciate those who have fought for the United States military, including his grandfathers.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was among those who took to Twitter to respond to Brees' comments, writing that kneeling during the anthem has "nothing to do with" disrespecting the flag.

Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins posted a video on social media that he later deleted. Jenkins called Brees' comments "extremely self-centered" and added: "It's unfortunate because I considered you a friend. I looked up to you. You're somebody who I had a great deal of respect for. But sometimes you should shut the f--k up."

Other teammates of Brees also spoke up, including Michael Thomas and Cameron Jordan.

The 41-year-old Brees is the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. He is set to enter his 20th NFL season overall and 15th as a member of the Saints in 2020 after signing a two-year deal to remain with New Orleans this offseason.