Bucs WR Mike Evans Apologizes, Vows to Stand for Anthem

mike evans
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Evans, the split end who sat down Sunday for the national anthem over Donald Trump’s election to the presidency, vows to henceforth stand.

Evans released a statement through his agent apologizing and promising to stand in the future:

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.

The apology follows his coach frowning upon his Sunday stunt.

“I’m disappointed for that,” Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Koetter explained Monday. “But, again, I also respect Mike’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression.”

Koetter spoke out against players not rising in respect for the anthem during the preseason, too. The Bucs enjoy the support of many active-duty servicemen from MacDill Air Force Base as well as support from many former soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who retired to the Tampa-St. Pete area.

Evans, who attributed his “Star Spangled Banner” sit-down strike to the American people electing Donald Trump to the presidency, admitted on social media that he did not vote. The wide receiver enjoys a monster year even if he slacked on one Tuesday in November. He boasts 59 catches for eight touchdowns and 811 receiving yards.

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