Ad Disclosure
Lovie Smith talks about NFL anthem protests
Published:
This past weekend, several players and teams in the NFL took a knee during the national anthem as a form of political protest. The action has been met with its fair share of criticism recently.
During Monday’s press conference, Illinois head coach Lovie Smith was asked for his opinion about the anthem protests this past weekend. Smith, who was a longtime coach in the NFL, provided his thoughts.
Here’s what Smith had to say about the political issue according to Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer:
#illini Lovie on protests: There are guys taking a stand on what they feel is right in our country.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 25, 2017
#illini Lovie: "Is our president a role model? …I think there are certain things you'd expect him to say, some you'd expect him not." https://t.co/VpKO7Pb3gl
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 25, 2017
#illini Lovie: For this many people to take a stand against something, something is wrong.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 25, 2017
#illini Lovie said to change this, you vote. He voted for a "certain person" because of that. Teaches players to have opinions, be educated.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 25, 2017
Smith has spoken on the issue a few times this year and has held a pretty consistent opinion. He continues to say that he wants his players to be educated and to stand behind the decision they make, whatever that might be.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB