Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger regrets his team’s decision to protest the national anthem.
“I was unable to sleep last night and want to share my thoughts and feelings on our team’s decision to remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem yesterday,” Roethlisberger said in a surprise Monday statement.
“The idea was to be unified as a team when so much attention is paid to things dividing our country, but I wish we approached it differently. We did not want to appear divided on the sideline with some standing and some kneeling or sitting.”
Steelers players chose to remain inside the locker room while the national anthem was being performed. Lineman Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, stood alone at the tunnel entrance. Sales for Villanueva’s jersey immediately skyrocketed.
“As a team, it was not a protest of the flag or the Anthem. I personally don’t believe the Anthem is ever the time to make any type of protest. For me, and many others on my team and around the league, it is a tribute to those who commit to serve and protect our country, current and past, especially the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice,” Roethlisberger explained.
Unfortunately, Roethlisberger’s opinion is unpopular among the rest of the NFL. Many players seem to have declared all-out war on the president.
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(Source: Hollywood Reporter)