Buccaneers WR Mike Evans has "reversed course on his decision to protest" the National Anthem and will stand with his teammates, opting to "find what he calls 'more effective ways' to communicate his message," according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. Evans in a statement today "apologized to the military and anyone else offended by his actions Sunday." Evans: "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" (ESPN.com, 11/15). Bucs coach Dirk Koetter yesterday said he was "disappointed" in Evans' decision to protest President-elect Donald Trump's victory. Koetter "was not aware that Evans was planning to protest before the game." He said, "I didn't know about this until after the game. It didn't come up in front of me in the locker room. By the time I was aware of this, most of the players were showered and mostly gone." Koetter said, "I hope it doesn't affect our team. That's something I'll take whatever measures I think are necessary to try to minimize what effect it has on our team. I'm really not sure. This is uncharted water for me" (ESPN.com, 11/14). Evans on Instagram had written that he "didn't vote in last week's election." Following Sunday's game, he called Trump "a joke" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 11/15). In Tampa, Rick Stroud speculates about what motivated Evans to protest Trump's election, noting Evans' biracial parents "weren't wealthy, and growing up in Texas, it's not inconceivable that he experienced racism." In addition, the "most important people in Evans' life are all women" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 11/15).
RAPID REACTION: The Undefeated's Domonique Foxworth said when there is "something that you believe in, I'm not going to be the one to tell you not to take a stand for it." Foxworth: "I don't think the idea that he didn't vote disqualifies him from having an opinion" ("Highly Questionable," ESPN, 11/14). ESPN's Jemele Hill said there will be "more and more" athletes openly criticizing Trump. ESPN Radio's Peter Rosenberg: "I don't like the specific way he chose to protest because I believe it convolutes what Colin Kaepernick and others have been doing." Former NFLer Donovan McNabb said Evans should "just stand" for the Anthem. McNabb: "Wear a shirt that says you don't agree with Donald Trump." McNabb also noted there are "going to be a lot more" athletes protesting Trump ("His & Hers," ESPN2, 11/14). FS1's Jason Whitlock said Evans, "like a lot of celebrities, is uninformed, doesn't know what he's talking about and doesn't get it" ("Speak for Yourself," FS1, 11/14).
DISSENTING OPINIONS: In Tampa, John Romano writes, "I have admiration for anyone willing to risk ridicule and scorn while publicly expressing their beliefs. But I also believe we have a responsibility to consider the effect of our actions on others. And for a great many people, the flag and the national anthem are more than staid symbols. They represent the sacrifices of fathers, mothers, siblings and friends who perished in wars" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 11/15). Florida state Sen. Jack Latvala said of Evans' protest, "It's wrong, it's selfish, and I'm tired of it." Latvala said that he will "boycott Bucs games until Evans apologizes or is released." He also "urged fans to do the same" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 11/15).
ACCORDING TO JIM: Lions coach Jim Caldwell said of the election, "I do know, for a fact, had I voiced some of the same opinions as our candidates, I probably wouldn’t have a job within five minutes of walking off this stage, but yet a person can become the leader of the free world. Again, it’s a different time and place and we’re moving forward." In Detroit, Justin Rogers notes Caldwell's message is in "stark contrast to acrimonious comments" from Pistons coach and President of Basketball Operations Stan Van Gundy and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich last week (DETROIT NEWS, 11/15).
