Gov. John Bel Edwards dismissed suggestions that the New Orleans Saints should lose state subsidies because several of its players wouldn’t stand for the national anthem before last Sunday’s game.
Edwards, speaking on a New Orleans radio show today, said there are “more effective ways” to protest than to refuse to stand during the national anthem. But the governor, a former Army Ranger, acknowledged people have a right to protest. He also encouraged people to be on their feet for the anthem.
Ten Saints players wouldn’t stand for the national anthem before the game against the Carolina Panthers.
Two Louisiana lawmakers are pushing to have the Legislature reconsider state subsidies to the NFL team because of the controversy. But Edwards says Louisiana “must continue to meet its contractual obligations with the Saints.”
