Drew Brees Calls Reaction To His Kneeling Remarks ‘Crushing’ – Says He’ll Still Stand For Flag

In June, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees came under fire for saying that he would “never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America” by taking a knee during the national anthem.

Now, Brees is speaking out once again calling the backlash that he received for these comments “crushing.”

Brees Addresses Kneeling Controversy

“Going back to my comment on June 3rd, to think for a second that New Orleans or the state of Louisiana or the Black community would think that I was not standing with them for social justice, that completely broke my heart. It was crushing,” Brees said on Saturday, according to Yahoo News.

“Never ever would I feel that way,” he added. “Now, I recognize that I missed an opportunity that day. I had an opportunity to talk about and emphasize the social injustices that exist for our Black community and our need as a country to support them and to advocate for systemic change. And my lack of awareness in that moment hurt a lot of people.”

FULL STORY: NFL Star Drew Brees Responds To Those Outraged At Him Saying He’ll Never Support Kneeling During Anthem

Brees Will Stand For Flag

Despite the backlash that Brees has received, he went on to say that he will continue to stand for the anthem.

“I will always stand for the flag because of what it means to me and to honor all those who have sacrificed, who have served and died for our country and all those who have struggled to move this country forward,” he said.

However, he went on to add that he will also respect those who choose to take a knee.

“I acknowledge and respect anyone who chooses to kneel or any other form of peaceful protest to bring attention to the social injustices and systemic racism that so many have endured and continue to endure in our country,” he explained. “I will always support and advocate for the black and brown communities in the fight for social injustices. Always.”

RELATED: Desperate Drew Brees Doubles Down With Video Apology So You Can ‘See In My Eyes How Sorry I Am’

Brees Says He’s A Good Person

He concluded his statement by talking about how much he cares about people.

“I’m the same person now that I’ve always been,” Brees said. “I’m someone who cares deeply for people in my community, New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, people everywhere. I’m someone who will always address the inequities and disparities that exist. I’m someone who has great empathy for those who are hurting, struggling, or victims of injustice. And I’m someone who feels a great sense of responsibility to serve and to lead and to bring true equality to everyone.”