Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, who was in London to watch the Jaguars beat the Ravens, has issued a statement responding to the National Anthem protest displayed by more than 200 NFL players on Sunday.
“I stand and cover my heart for the pledge and the anthem. I think it's stupid to do otherwise. The US Constitution protects the right for a lot of people to do a lot of stupid things. I am a Constitutional Conservative, so I respect the wisdom of our Founders. However, I am focused on storm recovery, public safety and making Jacksonville a great city.” – Mayor Lenny Curry
More than a dozen Jaguars players took a knee during the playing of the national anthem in London on Sunday.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan appeared on the sideline and locked arms with fellow players and coaches. Khan issued this statement:
“It was a privilege to stand on the sidelines with the Jacksonville Jaguars today for the playing of the U.S. national anthem at Wembley Stadium. I met with our team captains prior to the game to express my support for them, all NFL players and the league following the divisive and contentious remarks made by President Trump, and was honored to be arm in arm with them, their teammates and our coaches during our anthem. Our team and the National Football League reflects our nation, with diversity coming in many forms – race, faith, our views and our goals. We have a lot of work to do, and we can do it, but the comments by the President make it harder. That’s why it was important for us, and personally for me, to show the world that even if we may differ at times, we can and should be united in the effort to become better as people and a nation.”
