The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Evans took the NFL’s national anthem protests to a new level over the weekend by sitting over Donald Trump’s presidential election.
Sunday’s 36-10 win for the Buccaneers over the Chicago Bears started became marred with controversy when its wide receiver announced “America’s not right.” Mr. Evans took a knee during the pre-game playing of the national anthem due to Democrat Hillary Clinton’s Nov. 8 drubbing by Mr. Trump.
“When Ashton Kutcher comes out and says we’ve been Punk’d, then I’ll stand again. But I won’t stand anymore,” Mr. Evans said, CNN reported. “I said this a long time ago. When [Trump] ran, I thought it was a joke, and the joke continues. I’m not a political person that much, but I got common sense. And I know when something’s not right.”
Mr. Evan’s decision will likely to frustrate league officials already dealing with sagging ratings and existing racial protests started months ago by San Francisco 49ers quarter Colin Kaepernick.
“I don’t want to disrespect the veterans or anything,” the player continued. “The men and women who serve this country, I’m forever indebted to them. But the things that’s been going on in America lately, I’m not going to stand for that.”
The Buccaneers released a statement on Sunday has the rationale for Mr. Evans’ protest spread.
“The Buccaneers are deeply committed to the military and honoring the great men and women that have dedicated their lives and have made great sacrifices to insure all the tremendous freedoms we have in this great country,” the statement read. “We encourage all members of our organization to respectfully honor our flag during the playing of the National Anthem. We also recognize every individual’s constitutional right to freedom of speech, which is crucial to the American principles we cherish.”
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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