|
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has watched some of his teammates protest social injustice and police brutality during the pregame national anthem, and he fully supports their attempts to seek change. “It’s an opportunity for them to express their right. When you’re able to bring awareness to some social issues, you give people a voice," Mariota said Wednesday. "When it comes down to it, we’re at a point in our careers that we have a platform. If we’re able to use that in the right light, I think it can be something that’s very beneficial.” Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke at the NFL fall meetings Wednesday and said there has been no change in the policy that encourages, but doesn't require, players to stand during the playing of the anthem. NFL players across the country, including Titans receiver Rishard Matthews, linebackers Brian Orakpo and Wesley Woodyard, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey and tight end Delanie Walker, have articulated a desire to use their platform to bring change in regard to racial inequality, criminal-justice reform, disrespect from the White House and other concerns. Mariota said he would like to see changes in some of these areas as well, and he believes these protests create much-needed attention to the issues. “Until there is actual evidence within the communities of some of these changes, it’s still good to be able to create some awareness to it," Mariota said. "Some of our guys in the locker room have done a great job of finding avenues to give back to our community and give back to people who need that voice. [I'm] very privileged to be a part of this locker room. I think these guys have done a great job of handling everything, and I look forward to seeing some changes in our community.” Matthews, who has stayed off the field during the anthem over the past three weeks, has pledged to donate $75,000 to organizations working in oppressed communities.
|
