Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end, Stephon Tuitt, is taking to social media for the second time to address the kneeling controversy. The 27-year-old NFL player says that he plans to stand during the National Anthem because he is a “proud American.”
Over the weekend, Tuitt posted a photo of himself holding his hand over his heart during the anthem. He used the caption to double down on his stance.
“I stand for the flag because I am a proud American,” Tuitt writes. “Like previously stated, this country has provided and rewarded my family in so many ways through our perseverance and hard work. I will continue to honor my country and be an example to my children to stand for what they believe in.”
Tuitt then continued by addressing the protests regarding police brutality. “In regards to police brutality and the black lives matter movement I will support these causes through other means,” he writes. “It’s unfortunate that a couple unprofessional individuals have caused such havoc on our country and damaged the trust of its citizens. I will not let those individuals steer me from the fact on the opportunity this country gives for everyone. God Bless.”
Stephon Tuitt and His First Tweet About the National Anthem
Last week, Tuitt first opened up about his stance on kneeling during the National Anthem. He credits his grandmother, who immigrated to the US, as a source of inspiration for why he plans to stand for the flag.
“Also I’m not kneeling for the flag and screw anybody who have a problem with that,” Tuitt tweeted. “My grandmother was a immigrant from the Carribean (sic) and age (sic) worked her a** off to bring 20 people over the right way. She had no money and educated herself to be a nurse. She living good now.”
The NFL season starts September 10. The Houston Texans will take on the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Stephon Tuitt and the Steelers play the New York Giants on September 14.
[H/T Fox News]
