Mike Evans apologizes for sitting during the national anthem

Well, Mike Evans’ protest against president-elect Donald Trump lasted all of one game. Evans did not stand when the national anthem was played before the game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver stated after the game that he was protesting the election of Donald Trump.

After a lot of backlash as well as support for Evans, the wide receiver has now released a statement (via ESPN’s Josina Anderson) apologizing for his protest, for causing offense, and vowing not to take a knee again.

I want to start by apologizing to all the U.S. military members, their families, and the fans who I offended by my actions on Sunday. It was never my intention as I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve our country.

I have very strong emotions regarding some of the many issues that exist in our society today. I chose to sit as an expression of my frustration towards this year’s election. It was very personal for me, as it was for so many Americans.

With that being said, I will not sit again during the National Anthem because I want to focus my efforts on finding more effective ways to communicate my message and bring about change by supporting organizations and movements that fight for equal rights for minorities.

This Sunday, I will be back to standing with my teammates.

So, that was that. No more protests from Evans, though it sounds like he may get involved in some activism and other movements.