Michael Thomas Says He's Accepted Drew Brees' Apology for Insensitive Comments
By Max Smith
After Saints quarterback Drew Brees' insensitive comments about taking a knee in peaceful protest went public Wednesday, he took to Instagram to issue an apology for what he said. In those remarks, he stated "In speaking with some of you, it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused."
On Wednesday, Saints All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas made it clear that he was upset with Brees comments with a series of subtweets on the matter. Now, he's made it clear that he accepts his QB's apology and wants to move on.
One of my brothers made a public statement yesterday that I disagreed with. He apologized & I accept it because that’s what we are taught to do as Christians. Now back to the movement! #GeorgeFloyd
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) June 4, 2020
While Thomas has accepted his apology, Brees still has a lot of work to do in order to earn back the trust of his fellow Saints. That won't happen in a day. It can't.
Thomas doesn't wish to dwell on the issue and is more focused on bringing about positive change as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. Mutual understanding it what is most important right now, and ensuring that major figures like Drew Brees can be as educated as possible about why so many around the nation and the world insist that these protests are necessary.
Fellow Saints teammates Malcolm Jenkins and Cameron Jordan voiced their displeasure with Brees' statements on Wednesday. Jenkins, a prolific activist for criminal justice reform, posted a highly emotional four-minute video with his thoughts on the matter.
I recorded a few videos when thinking of how to respond to Drew Brees, I don’t take any of it back-I meant what I said-I removed the 1st video because I knew it be more about the headlines. I want people to understand how those of us struggling with what’s going on feel pic.twitter.com/T054qt0YEz
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) June 3, 2020
Brees will need to do more than simply posting a social media apology in order to understand the full impact of his statements. He'll need to engage in conversations with his teammates about the problems they face and why they decide to protest. But at the very least, Thomas taking him at his word is a positive start.