By Eddie D. Gillis

Has anyone noticed how quiet Republicans/conservatives has gotten since Saints quarterback Drew Brees has inserted himself in the flag kneeling National Anthem controversy? There has not been one Republican who has openly criticized Brees for his amended statement addressing the kneeling controversy. Not even a sound from VP Mike Pence, who usually echoes what the president says. Louisiana Republicans were all over Colin Kaepernick four years, and were all for him being out of football. But now, Brees has taped their mouths shut without taking any action other than saying what he believes . Republicans and the president seemed to have accepted that, as Brees said, "that the protest by Kaepernick and some black players, was not against the flag, but an unequal justice system." President Donald Trump is fighting this battle all by himself as he tries to gain support from conservative media, but even they have refused to run negative stories about Brees. In a few weeks if all goes as planned, the NFL season will begin. The main stumbling block to whether there will be a season depends on how well COVID-19 will be contained to see if thousands of people can sit in an outdoor stadium, and not get sick. It could be even more problematic for fans that sit in stadiums with a roof. Brees said, "he does not support” kneeling during the anthem. He realizes that the flag is being used as a political ploy.

In his statement after the initial statement about kneeling, Brees “had conversations” with those in the black community, and that “we can no longer use the flag to turn people away or distract them from the real issues that face OUR black community. We often hear “the” , not “our” black community from conservatives politicians when it suits their purpose like voter suppression. Brees went even further when he said, “we as a WHITE community need to LISTEN and learn from the pain and suffering of OUR black community. Brees closed by saying that the black community “CAN’T do it alone”. “This will require ALL of us.” Brees sounded contrite in his words as he didn’t issue a generic apology that we so often hear when someone says something so outrageous that the “sorry I offended anyone” line is one that can be recited verbatim.

Drew Brees loves New Orleans LA and he will more than likely retire from the game as a Saint. The city and the fans all love him. This writer would place him along side New Orleans icons such as Bob Breck. Bob who? Anyone who has lived in New Orleans as long as this reporter, know who Bob is. He is “Mr. Weatherman” to everyone, as Brees will be known as a Saints icon. But it is important that Brees has taken this stand. His words carry weight, no one can “run” him out of town. His legacy is already enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He has the resources to wage a fight, if he so chooses. Brees said that it “breaks his heart” over the pain that he caused by his initial comments. Brees backs up that by saying, that “step by step you will see my heart for exactly what it is and the way everyone around me sees it”. One person can help make a difference.