Goodell addresses anthem protest

NEW YORK — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell disagrees with Colin Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the national anthem, but he recognizes the San Franciso 49ers quarterback’s right to protest.

Asked by The Associated Press about Kaepernick’s decision not to stand before games when the national anthem is played, Goodell said in an email Wednesday: “I don’t necessarily agree with what he is doing.”

“I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a perfect society,” Goodell added. “On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. I personally believe very strongly in that.”

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback wouldn’t stand for the anthem at the team’s preseason games, with teammate Eric Reid and Seattle’s Jeremy Lane doing the same. Kaepernick has cited racial injustice and police brutality among the many reasons for his actions and said he plans to continue to not stand for the anthem during the regular season.

Kaepernick said Wednesday on his Instagram account that he will donate all the money he receives from his jersey sales to charity to thank fans for their support. He said he’s pleased his 49ers jersey has become the top seller in the NFL since his protest became public.

Elliott speaks

FRISCO, Texas — Days from his Dallas Cowboys debut and cleared by prosecutors in Ohio in a domestic violence case, Ezekiel Elliott still had to answer questions Wednesday about conduct away from the field.

The same report citing insufficient evidence to support a woman’s claims against him included documents that had a text exchange between the two indicating concern over Elliott passing a drug test.

The report was released less than two weeks after video surfaced of Elliott in a legal marijuana shop in Seattle, which led to admonishments from owner and general manager Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett.

“I feel like there have been some damages done, but the past is the past,” said Elliott, the fourth overall pick of the draft out of Ohio State. “I’m focused on the now.”