Watch CBS News

Eagles Rookie Linebacker Myke Tavarres To Sit During National Anthem

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Eagles rookie linebacker Myke Tavarres will support Colin Kaepernick and sit during the National Anthem before Thursday's preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Tavarres told ESPN.com that he almost sat on Saturday night against in Indianapolis before the Eagles' preseason game against Colts.

"Oh, I thought about it," Tavarres told ESPN.com. "Believe me, I definitely thought about it. "And usually I'm front and center on the line with the rest of the guys, and that's since pre-K all the way up. Saturday's game, I stepped back, I was in the background, and it didn't feel right to me at all, and so I will be taking a stand -- or sitting down -- for the fourth game."

Kaepernick's decision to sit down during the National Anthem in the 49ers' preseason game on Friday has created a national controversy.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick said. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins understood Kaepernick's position, but said "there's different ways to go about it."

"We've got an issue in this country in this day and age, and I feel like somebody needs to step up and we all need to step up," Tavarres said via ESPN.com. "We've got that right. There's just a lot going on that people don't want to talk about, and I feel like us as athletes, we're looked at as role models. And I feel like with Colin Kaepernick, he's doing a great job for standing up in what he believes in, and most people may not like that, but that's his opinion, he's entitled to it, and I respect him for doing it."

Tavarres, 23, is an undrafted free agent who spent the final season of his collegiate career at the University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, TX).

Tavarres posted a photo of himself with the caption "Happy Independence Day" just seven weeks ago, as spotted by CrossingBroad.com.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.