re: Mike Evans sat during the national anthem to protest the election

Dumbass move, but nice recovery:

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"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."

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Good for Mike. This is an example of how a man owns up to a mistake.

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I don't think he owned up to his mistakes.

He owned up to his endorsements.

His motive MAY have been his endorsements (though that is speculation). But you'll note he didn't go for the namby pamby passive voice shite: "I'm sorry if anyone was offended." That's the usual path taken by celebrities who want to get by with a non-apology.

Instead he used the active voice "I apologize to those who I offended." It may seem like a small thing, but it denotes taking ownership of the situation. It doesn't imply that the ones offended were unreasonable in their taking offense, or too sensitive. It acknowledges the legitimacy of their feelings and expresses remorse for causing them.

I don't think he deserves a statue for this, but it's rare enough these days as to be commendable.

What mistake is that exactly?

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What mistake is that exactly?

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Mike was very frustrated by the results of the election. That's certainly understandable, as is his wish to make a public statement to that effect. But the way he chose to express himself was not at all well-crafted to deliver his desired message. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he never wished to offend members of the military, their families, and his fans, his mistake was choosing a form of protest which one could easily foresee doing just that. Only a moment's reflection would be necessary to see how open to misconstruction is the act of sitting out the anthem.

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You just can't say it any better than this, folks

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agree to disagree

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With what do you disagree?

I see what you're saying. What's offensive to you might not be what's offensive to me. But I think given all the hubbub surrounding Kaepernick and other athletes, it would be hard to make the case that Evans shouldn't have anticipated how many would receive his protest. Evans certainly has the freedom to express himself as he wishes. But that doesn't mean he has freedom from consequences.

Mike could have dug in when others took offense, but he acted like an adult and explained himself more thoroughly. He treated the people who disagreed with him with respect, and I think that's laudable, whether you think his original point had merit or not.

I agree with that