Dak Prescott doubles down on anthem remarks: ‘I feel strongly about what I said’

Aug 7, 2018

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If you were waiting for an apology from Dak Prescott, you’re out of luck.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback has faced a tidal wave of backlash since from fans and NFL insiders alike ever since publicly speaking up in support of the league’s kneeling ban and against the efforts of those who support Colin Kaepernick.

Now, Prescott is saying that not only was he fully aware of the impact that his words would have on the issue, he’s not in the least bit surprised, nor does he even care.

“I made my statements. I stand by what I said,” Prescott said Sunday. “Some people may have misunderstood or whatever, but I know what I said, and I feel strongly about what I said. It is what it is.”

On July 27th, the 25-year-old was asked how he felt about owner Jerry Jones‘ comments at the start of training camp and the news that Cowboys players will stand for the anthem. Some may have expected Prescott to be vague or skirt the question altogether, but instead he chose to speak definitively in allegiance with his team.

“I never protest during the anthem, and I don’t think that’s the time or the venue to do so,” he said last month. “The game of football has always brought me such a peace, and I think it does the same for a lot of people, a lot of people playing the game, a lot of people watching the game, a lot of people that have any impact of the game. So when you bring such a controversy to the stadium, to the field, to the game, it takes away. It takes away from that. It takes away from the joy and the love that football brings to a lot of people.”

“So for me, I’m all about making a change, making a difference, and I think this whole kneeling and all that was all about just raising awareness. The fact that we’re still talking about social injustice years later, I think we’ve got to that point. I think we’ve proved and we know that there’s social injustice. So I’m for taking a next step that whatever that step may be for action, and not just kneeling. I’ve always believed in standing up for what I believe in, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”

Despite the reaction he has received, Prescott maintains that his words were in no way meant to be a slight to those who feel differently.

He also addressed the new mural in Dallas that depicts him as a character from the film “Get Out,” with a gasping, terrified look and tears falling from his eyes as he descends into “the sunken place”

“Everybody has their own opinion,” he said Sunday, regarding artist Trey Wilder’s depiction of him.

“That’s what controversial means,” he continued, “and this is probably one of the most controversial topics we’ve had in the game since I’ve been in.”

Most recently, Prescott was awarded the “Donkey of the Day” on Hot97. Listen to why the show bestowed this “honor” upon him.

Today’s #DOTD goes to #DallasCowboys Quarterback #DakPrescott who said “It’s Not The Time To Protest During The National Anthem”… for the full video go here: https://t.co/bobmqaXqvt pic.twitter.com/0XPoqwdgbL

— The Breakfast Club (@breakfastclubam) July 30, 2018