NFL's Brees apologizes for kneeling comment

NFL quarterback Drew Brees apologized Thursday for saying players kneeling during the national anthem are "disrespecting" America, amid widespread backlash for the comment.

"It breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused," the New Orlean Saints quarterback said in an Instagram post Thursday, one day after he made the public comment. "In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country."

Professional athletes kneeling during the anthem became a culture flashpoint in 2016 after then-San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the movement, in response to police brutality toward black Americans. The issue resurfaced May 25 when George Floyd died after being arrested by Minnesota police officers, including one who kneeled on his neck.

The arrest and death has sparked nationwide protests about the issue.

Brees said Wednesday: “I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country. Is everything right with our country right now? No, it is not. We still have a long way to go. But I think what you do by standing there and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart, is it shows unity."