Brees, Fromm, Trump and Goodell Still Don’t Get It

 

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

 

Drew Brees did not get it 4 years ago and he still doesn’t get it now. Same with both NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and President Donald Trump. First round draft pick for the Buffalo Bills quarterback Jake Fromm is now added to the list. While the cities across the nation protested the violent, brutal death of George Floyd at the knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin while 2 other officers helped pin him down and another stood watch, Brees, Fromm, Goodell and Trump made head spinning comments about players kneeling, white privilege and not recognizing players concerns. 

 

Drew Brees will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame 5 years after he retires for all of his accomplishments on the field. He will also be remembered for comments he made last week. “I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” Brees said to Yahoo! Finance. “I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity. It shows that we are all in this together, we can all do better and that we are all part of the solution.” From the very beginning, Colin Kaepernick made it clear that he was not protesting the flag or the military men and women that have served this country. He was trying to bring attention to the police brutality that had been taking place across the country. The backlash Brees received was swift. Said teammate Michael Thomas in a tweet,“we don’t care if you don’t agree. He don’t know no better.” Athletes from other sports chimed in as well. Said LeBron James “Is it still surprising at this point. Sure isn’t. You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee?? Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of (the flag) and our soldiers (men and women) who keep our land free.” 

 

 

 

 

Those comments also struck a nerve with Brees especially after President Trump issued the following statement: “He should not have taking back his original stance on honoring our magnificent American flag. Old Glory is to be revered, cherished and flown high.” Trump went on to tweet, “we should be standing up straight and tall , ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest. But not our Great American Flag. NO KNEELING.” Again, another person who missed the original message.

 

 

 

Brees wasted no time responding to the President as a picture was circulated bonding with Trump and both wives in the past. “Through much ongoing conversations with friends, teammates and leaders in the black community, l realize this is not an issue about the American flag. It Has never been. We can no longer use the flag to turn people away or distract them from the real issues that face our black community. We did this back in 2017 and regretfully l brought it back with my comments this week. We must stop talking about the flag and shift our attention to the real issues of systematic racial injustice, economic oppression, police brutality and judicial and prison reform. We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. if not now, then when? We as a white community need to listen and learn from the pain and suffering of out black community. We must acknowledge the problems, identify the solutions and then put this into action. The black community cannot do it alone. This will require all of us.” Not surprisingly, there was no Trump reply. 

 

Not long after, Buffalo Bills first round draft pick (#5) Jake Fromm had text messages leaked in which he eluded to who should be able to buy guns. “Just make them very expensive so only elite white people can get them haha.” Not very funny when the lives of black and brown people are dying as a result of gun violence by the police. As usual, Fromm tried to clear the air. Claiming he was “not an elite white person” Fromm said, “I am extremely sorry that I chose to use the words ‘elite white person’ in a text message conversation. Although I never meant to imply that I am an ‘elite white person as later stated in the conversation, there’s no excuse for that word choice and sentiment. “I stand against racism 100%. I promise to commit myself to being part of the solution in this country.” The Bills organization has not said whether or not Fromm will be disciplined after signing him to a 4 year contract.