Advertisement

LeBron James leads backlash over NFL star's 'disgraceful' comments

reuters
·6-min read
LeBron James and Drew Brees, pictured here in the NBA and NFL.
LeBron James has led the backlash against Drew Brees. Image: Getty

NFL star Drew Brees has caused uproar in American sport with controversial comments about kneeling.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback drew the ire of NBA great LeBron James when he said he does not feel NFL players should kneel during the national anthem and called the gesture disrespectful to the American flag.

‘TESTED POSITIVE’: Footballer's virus revelation rocks protests

‘EDUCATE YOURSELF’: Federer called out over 'Blackout Tuesday post'

Brees was asked during an appearance on Yahoo Finance's On the Move about the possibility of players protesting against racial injustice by kneeling during the anthem when the NFL's 2020 season kicks off in September.

Colin Kaepernick popularised the gesture of kneeling during pre-game renditions of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in 2016 while a member of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick, pictured here kneeling in protest during the national anthem in 2016.
Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to a game in 2016. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

He became a free agent after that season and hasn’t been able to sign anywhere since.

“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” Brees told the program before explaining that when he hears the anthem he thinks of his two grandfathers who served in the military.

“Is everything right with our country right now? No, it's not. We still have a long away to go.

“But, I think what you do by standing there and showing respect for the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity.”

Anthem demonstrations have all but disappeared but some feel they could return as the death last week of George Floyd sparked protests across the United States over police brutality.

LeBron James leads backlash against Drew Brees

The comments from Brees, widely regarded as one of the best passers in NFL history, did not sit well with a number of athletes, including three-times NBA champion James.

“WOW MAN!! Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn't! You literally still don't understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??” the Los Angeles Lakers forward posted on Twitter.

“Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of Flag of United States and our soldiers (men and women) who keep our land free.”

James also said his father-in-law fought for the United States and that he asked him questions about it and thanks him all the time.

“He never found Kap peaceful protest offensive because he and I both know what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong! God bless you,” he added.

NFL players condemn Drew Brees comments

A hoard of current and former NFL players also slammed Brees, including his Saints teammate Malcom Jenkins.

Jenkins posted a video telling Brees to “shut the f--- up” on Instagram.

The founding member of the Players Coalition and vocal black rights advocate has frequently pushed back against the faulty narrative that Kaepernick’s protest targeted patriotism and the military instead police brutality and social injustice.

He wasn’t hearing it from Brees in the midst of a national referendum on race relations.

“Our communities are under siege, and we need help,” Jenkins said while pushing back tears.

“And what you’re telling us is don’t ask for help that way. Ask a different way. I can’t listen to it when you ask that way.

“We're done asking Drew!

“I considered you a friend, I looked up to you, you're someone I had a great deal of respect for, but sometimes you should shut the f*ck up.”

Jenkins initially posted the video on Instagram before deleting it. He then posted another video within the hour where he again called Brees “a part of the problem.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malcolm Jenkins (@malcolmjenkins27) on

He wrote that he decided to post the second video after having a conversation with Brees.

“Drew Brees. If you don’t understand how hurtful, how insensitive your comments are, you are part of the problem,” Jenkins said.

“To think that because your grandfathers served in this country and you have a great respect for the flag, that everybody else should have the same ideals and thoughts that you do is ridiculous.

“And it shows that you don’t know history. Because when our grandfathers fought for this country and served, and they came back, they didn’t come back to a hero’s welcome.

“They came back and got attacked for wearing their uniforms. They came back to people, to racism, to complete violence.”

With Yahoo Sports staff