The United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development appeared in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, and explained that if pro athletes who protested simply explained that they love America, they would not be criticized for their behaviors.
Yeah, about that…
But, we are protesting some of the brutality that occurred, and that’s why we’re doing this, I think would solve the problem. And I suggest that they do that.
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick explicitly stated her was not anti-America and even mentioned that he, in fact, loves America.
Carson, who previously ran for president before accepting a position in the Trump administration, would not directly answer as to whether or not he agreed with the right for players to peacefully protest. Carson said the protests were about “two completely different things” — referring to police brutality and racial injustice — and that the lack of a clear goal is “the problem.”
It’s not the first time a member of the current U.S. presidential administration has said or done controversial things in regards to the First Amendment and pro athletes protesting. In 2017, President Trump referred to Colin Kaepernick as a “son of a bitch,” while vice president Mike Pence staged a walkout during peaceful protests prior to a Colts-49ers game in the same year.
Carson’s full comments in CNN’s interview can be heard and seen below:
