United players stand for those kneeling
FOXBORO — The words varied in specifics, but the theme from the Patriots yesterday about their teammates who kneeled during the national anthem before Sunday’s win against the Houston Texans centered around the same message: Stay unified.
Sixteen Patriots took a knee during the anthem — and heard a vocal contingent of boos from the Gillette Stadium crowd — in the wake of comments from President Donald Trump calling for the firing of, in his words, “any son of a bitch” who “disrespects our flag.”
While quarterback Tom Brady offered a strong rebuke of Trump’s statements in his WEEI interview, defensive end Trey Flowers, who knelt during the anthem, did the same hours later on the same radio station.
“I felt disrespected,” Flowers said of Trump’s comments. “I wasn’t one to disrespect the flag prior to (kneeling Sunday) but when it came to the statement he said, it was just … I felt like he was making a statement as though he’s God or something. That he’s just controlling pretty much everything. We only got one God.”
Flowers bristled at the idea of players having to stick to sports when the president made his comments, but, like the rest of the team, yesterday he stressed the need for the issue not to affect team chemistry.
“We have a tight-knit community in our locker room,” wide receiver Danny Amendola said, also on WEEI. “I can speak for myself personally and can say I stand in honor of my grandfather who fought and my friends who are fighting overseas. ... It all comes back to personal preference. Everyone is going to have their own personal opinion on the situation. We just have to do our best to get a positive message out there.”
Linebacker Elandon Roberts also knelt. He didn’t offer much when asked if the protests would continue into future games.
“We’re a team here, so I’m just going to leave it at that,” he said.
Coach Bill Belichick, who maintains a friendship with Trump, did not entertain questions about the protests but released a statement touting his “immense respect and admiration” for the players.
“I will do what I feel is best for the team in my role as head coach,” he said, “and collectively, we will work together to find the best way to proceed.”
Left tackle Nate Solder said it was a “tough situation” for all players.
“I don’t think any of us wanted to get involved with that,” he said. “I think that it was kind of put on us (by Trump). I know a lot of people had to make a lot of tough decisions. Me, personally, I totally respect the flag and I totally respect the military because I have a lot of family in the military.”
Receiver Chris Hogan said he didn’t know if more protests will follow, but his hopes were clear.
“I think that’s the biggest thing we’re going to try and do is show that we’re unified as a team,” Hogan said.