Kneeling, says dialogue is crucial
“I am going to stand for the flag and it’s something I’m very passionate about with my brother being in the military,” he said. “But at the same time I recognize the reason why the guys are doing it.”
It is a concept some have struggled to grasp, but Pugh spoke candidly on how his perspective evolved.
“I guess being a white male I didn’t understand what was going through (Kaepernick’s) mind and what he was experiencing. I tweeted about it and everyone was coming at me, saying ‘you’re racist, you’re this, you’re that,’ and I think it was more me not knowing what was going on,” Pugh said.
“I don’t know what guys go through. I think being in this locker room and hearing stories from these guys, it’s a tough time in this world. America is not perfect and we all know that,” he added. “It’s a conversation that needs to be had. I don’t know the right way to do it. I don’t know the wrong way to do it. All I know is guys have the right to say what they want to say and that’s what makes America great.”
The rebirth of the protests against police brutality, social injustice and inequalities against minorities by athletes during the national anthem has sparked strong reactions from the fans — led by the president.
Many fans have followed his lead, saying they will boycott the NFL.
Regardless if they do or not, the conversation is not going away, and Pugh closed by adding that it’s important to just listen.
“If you don’t listen and hear where other people are coming from and just listen with the intent of responding instead of understanding, it’s going to cause problems,” he said.