The actions of Colin Kaepernick that have dominated headlines have caused more than a few ripples in the NFL. Eagles rookie Linebacker Myke Tavarres spoke to ESPN’s Tim McManus earlier today and expressed his intentions of sitting down when the National Anthem is played during Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Jets.
“We’ve got an issue in this country in this day and age, and I feel like somebody needs to step up and we all need to step up,” Tavarres said. “We’ve got that right. There’s just a lot going on that people don’t want to talk about, and I feel like us as athletes, we’re looked at as role models. And I feel like with Colin Kaepernick, he’s doing a great job for standing up in what he believes in, and most people may not like that, but that’s his opinion, he’s entitled to it, and I respect him for doing it.”
Tavarres doesn’t seem to be phased by the potential consequences either.
“In this situation, I’ve really got nothing to lose,” he said. “I’m a rookie free agent, haven’t signed any major contract, so there’s not a lot of money on the line, I don’t have any big endorsement deals on the line. Really what’s at stake is my pride and what kind of man would I be and what kind of African-American would I be if I didn’t stand my ground on this issue we have today?
The 23-year old signed with the team as an undrafted rookie out of Incarnate Word and remains on the roster after the Eagles made 10 roster moves yesterday.
Tavarres isn’t the first Eagle to speak out about Kaepernick’s controversial decision to sit down during the anthem. Malcolm Jenkins showed support for Kaepernick’s intention, but not the gesture itself.
It will be interesting to see if any other Eagles players follow suit when the team close out their preseason on Thursday night.
**UPDATE**
Tavarres has reversed his stance on sitting for the anthem according to his agent, Corey Williams of Overtime Sports.
UPDATE: Per agent of Myke Tavarres, #Eagles rookie has reversed his stance on sitting during National Anthem and will stand.
— Philly Sports Network (@PhiladelphiaSN) August 29, 2016
