Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Regrets Steelers Boycotting National Anthem

UNPATRIOTIC BUYERS REMORSE …

Following Sunday’s actions of NFL teams by standing, sitting, kneeling, staying in the locker-room or not, it appears that some players are seeing the reaction of the fans and are beginning to understand that maybe they are doing the wrong thing. Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has regrets that the Steelers are boycotting the United States National Anthem. In a statement he stated, “I was unable to sleep last night and want to share my thoughts and feelings on our team’s decision to remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem yesterday. The idea was to be unified as a team when so much attention is paid to things dividing our country, but I wish we approached it differently. We did not want to appear divided on the sideline with some standing and some kneeling or sitting.”

“I personally don’t believe the Anthem is ever the time to make any type of protest,” the Super Bowl-winning QB says.

Ben Roethlisberger on Monday afternoon released a statement saying he regretted his Pittsburgh Steelers boycotting the national anthem on Sunday.

The NFL team was the first of three to not come out for the pregame ritual.

“I was unable to sleep last night and want to share my thoughts and feelings on our team’s decision to remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem yesterday,” the Super Bowl-winning QB said in a statement. “The idea was to be unified as a team when so much attention is paid to things dividing our country, but I wish we approached it differently. We did not want to appear divided on the sideline with some standing and some kneeling or sitting.

He continued, “As a team, it was not a protest of the flag or the Anthem. I personally don’t believe the Anthem is ever the time to make any type of protest. For me, and many others on my team and around the league, it is a tribute to those who commit to serve and protect our country, current and past, especially the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

In the end it is about respect for having the privilege of living in a country that provides so many liberties and freedoms and for all those who have paid with their lives for our freedoms. It is unfortunate that so many millionaire athletes who have benefited from those freedoms disrespect the very thing that has given them everything.

Ben Roethlisberger’s full statement:

I was unable to sleep last night and want to share my thoughts and feelings on our team’s decision to remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem yesterday. The idea was to be unified as a team when so much attention is paid to things dividing our country, but I wish we approached it differently. We did not want to appear divided on the sideline with some standing and some kneeling or sitting.

As a team, it was not a protest of the flag or the Anthem. I personally don’t believe the Anthem is ever the time to make any type of protest. For me, and many others on my team and around the league, it is a tribute to those who commit to serve and protect our country, current and past, especially the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice.

I appreciate the unique diversity in my team and throughout the league and completely support the call for social change and the pursuit of true equality. Moving forward, I hope standing for the Anthem shows solidarity as a nation, that we stand united in respect for the people on the front lines protecting our freedom and keeping us safe. God bless those men and women.