New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees says the team will kneel and then stand for the national anthem before their game against Miami in London.
Brees, in a tweet, wrote, “As a way to show respect to all, our #Saints team will kneel in solidarity prior to the national anthem & stand together during the anthem.”
That’s also how the Dallas Cowboys dealt with their anthem protest on Monday night in a game against the New York Giants.
Ten Saints players sat on the bench during the anthem last Sunday on a day of unprecedented protests among NFL players and some owners in response to comments by President Donald Trump that players should be fired if anyone “disrespects our flag.”
In response to the protests, two Louisiana lawmakers called for a review of state tax breaks given to the Saints. Gov. John Bel Edwards, however, dismissed suggestions that the team would lose its state subsidies and said there are “more effective ways” to protest than refusing to stand for the national anthem.
Meanwhile, top officials in the Edwards’ administration have traveled to London for a business recruitment trip timed to coincide with this weekend’s Saints game in the city.
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson are among the nine-person state delegation. The London visit is a joint event with the Committee of 100.
While in London, the group is meeting with representatives of companies already doing business in Louisiana, such as Shell and British Petroleum, and companies considering investment in Louisiana.
The delegation also is attending the Saints game against the Miami Dolphins, hosting “prospects” who are considering doing business in Louisiana.
The Edwards administration didn’t announce the trip in advance, but provided information in response to questions from The Associated Press.
