Players taking a knee during the national anthem as a form of protest is still a hot button issue in the NFL. As the topic surfaces again at the start of another football season, many people are weighing in.

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith joined Mad Dog Sports Radio earlier this week and was asked about the protests and if he’d allow members of his football team to take a knee during the national anthem. Smith didn’t seem to have an issue with it if a player did choose to participate in that action.

“This is what I tell our players, you live in a society, you can’t avoid everything that’s happening in the world. Be informed and if you make a decision, be willing to stand by it. Speak for yourself, you don’t speak for the entire football team.”

Smith also went on to say that he wants his players to be involved and encourages them to vote and be involved with their communities.

You can listen to the radio interview below: