Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans sat during the national anthem to protest Donald Trump’s election win but later apologized for his actions.
Evans opted to sit on the bench before Sunday’s home game against Chicago on a day his team honored U.S. service members, marking Veterans Day. On Tuesday, Evans issued an apology, tweeted out by his agent, Josina Anderson.
Here is #Bucs WR Mike Evans’ statement that was just sent to me: I want to start by apologizing to all the (cont) https://t.co/eXC90Inz3e
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 15, 2016
JUST IN:
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans issues apology, vows to stand with teammates during National Anthem https://t.co/NLbt26luis pic.twitter.com/xJRV5gvBeq— Laura A. Harris (@LauraHarrisWFTS) November 15, 2016
Evans’ statement:
“I want to start by apologizing to all the U.S. military members, their families, and the fans who I offended by my actions on Sunday. It was never my intention as I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve our country.
I have very strong emotions regarding some of the many issues that exist in our society today. I chose to sit as an expression of my frustration towards this year’s election. It was very personal for me, as it was for so many Americans.
With that being said, I will not sit again during the National Anthem because I want to focus my efforts on finding more effective ways to communicate my message and bring about change by supporting organizations and movements that fight for equal rights for minorities.
This Sunday, I will be back to standing with my teammates.”
State Senator Jack Latvala of Florida, had called for a Buccaneers boycott following the sit-out.
I will exercise my own right to protest by not setting foot in RayJay until he either apologizes or is off the team! https://t.co/e4r39ippnc
— Senator Jack Latvala (@JackLatvala) November 14, 2016
But the apology by Evans prompted another tweet by the Republican senator.
Thank you Mike Evans. You are quite a young man. Hope to have the opportunity to meet you someday. Go Bucs! https://t.co/XmQRVMXE96
— Senator Jack Latvala (@JackLatvala) November 15, 2016
Evans’ apology followed reports that the 23-year-old had not even registered to vote, let alone go to the polls on Election Day and actually make his voice heard the right way.
Here’s Mike Evans TX voter registration. He didn’t bother voting & is sitting during anthem to protest Trump https://t.co/qq0LZkaD5P pic.twitter.com/I31wzd3R6H
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) November 14, 2016
Bucs WR Mike Evans, who is protesting Trump’s election as president, wrote on Instagram that he didn’t vote himself. https://t.co/BDlbJER8CD
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) November 14, 2016
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