Over the weekend, Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End Stephon Tuitt doubled down on last week’s declaration that he will not be pressured into kneeling in protest when the National Anthem is played at NFL games.
“I will continue to honor my country and be an example to my children to stand for what they believe in,” Tuitt said in a post on his Instagram page. Tuitt again spoke of how his family has, through hard work and perseverance, benefited from the opportunities America has given them.
The Steelers player said that he will support causes that denounce police brutality – but, not by disrespecting the American flag:
“I stand for the flag because I am a proud American. Like previously stated, this country has provided and rewarded my family in so many ways through our perseverance and hard work. I will continue to honor my country and be an example to my children to stand for what they believe in.
“In regards to police brutality and the black lives matter movement I will support these causes through other means. It’s unfortunate that a couple unprofessional individuals have caused such havoc on our country and damaged the trust of its citizens. I will not let those individuals steer me from the fact on the opportunity this country gives for everyone. God Bless.”
As CNSNews.com reported, last week Tuitt posted a defiant Tweet explaining why he won’t join his fellow players kneeling in protest:
“I’m not kneeling for the flag and screw anybody who have a problem with that. My grandmother was a immigrant from the Caribbean and age worked her ass off to bring 20 people over the right way. She had no money and educated herself to be a nurse. She living good now.”
