Rodgers told NFL Media’s Michael Silver that people can have opinions about whether such protests are appropriate, but they should also remember that players are, in fact, protesting police brutality and racial injustice.
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There were three main anthem-related points in Rodgers’ comments to Silver:
On how the protests have affected player unity:
A group of Packers players in June spoke negatively about the NFL’s new policy requiring players to stand for the anthem if they take the field. Players would have the option to remain in the locker room. The policy has been put on hold as team owners and the players association continue discussions.
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On people who consider NFL players who protest anti-military:
(Rodgers made a video for The Players’ Tribune in which he expressed support for the Wounded Warriors Project.)
On the decision not to respond to statements by President Donald Trump and others critics:
Rodgers, who is a part-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, said that Lakers star LeBron James’ not responding to Trump’s disparaging tweet Friday was “absolutely beautiful.”
“At a time where he’s putting on display his school (in Akron, Ohio), which is changing lives, there’s no need. Because you’re just giving attention to that (tweet); that’s what they want. So just don’t respond,” Rodgers told Silver.
