Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans ends his protest of Donald Trump after one game
It appears the protest of President-elect Donald Trump is over after one game for Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans.
Evans, who took a knee during the national anthem on Sunday, released a statement to several media outlets on Tuesday, saying he will “seek more effective ways” to communicate his message.
On Sunday, Evans explained his protest this way:
"I don't want to disrespect the veterans or anything. The men and women that serve this country, I'm forever indebted to them," Evans said. "But the things that have been going on in America lately, I'm not going to stand for that.
"I told myself, 'If this character' — I'm not big on politics or things like that — but I told myself, 'If this happens, then America is not right right now. I said it a long time ago. When he ran, I thought it was a joke. The joke continues."
Evans had said he would continue the protest as long as Trump as President-elect.
After receiving criticism, including from coach Dick Koetter, Evans obviously changed his mind.
"I'm disappointed for that," Koetter said in a news conference Monday when asked for his specific thoughts on Evans' protest. "But, again, I also respect Mike's freedom of speech and freedom of expression."
No other Buccaneers player has knelt during the national anthem so far this season.