Antonio Cromartie responds to Jim Irsay: We can't be blind to 'what's going on in our community, country'
Former Indianapolis Colts defensive back Antonio Cromartie responded on Instagram today to Colts owner Jim Irsay's comments that players shouldn't protest during the national anthem because, "it's the wrong venue."
Earlier this week Irsay said NFL television ratings could be sagging because players were protesting. "It hasn’t been a positive thing," Irsay told USA TODAY Sports. "What we all have to be aware of as players, owners, PR people, equipment managers, is when the lights go on we are entertainment. We are being paid to put on a show. There are other places to express yourself.”
Here's what Cromartie, who was released by the Colts earlier this month, had to say in response:
They say it's not the right place or venue to do what is right and stand for what is right. I guarantee that most of the people that's sending me hate messages don't even know the top 2 members that are leading in this country in homelessness. Well let me educate you. #1 Veterans #2 Children. But you guys care so much about the people that fought for this country. It's crazy while I was Indiana I had a chance to talk to some veterans that didn't have a problem with me taking a knee. Because they understood my reason behind it. I thank them my grandfather and my friends for their support who also served this country. Some of y'all I have to sit back and pray for, Because right now with everything that's going on in this country and with these two idiots making the presidential debate a reality show and a joke and it's sad. I pray that we make a change for the better. It starts by being honest with yourself, also by not being blind with what's going on in our communities and our country. I've played this game for 11 years and I am grateful for the opportunity the lord and the@chargers gave me back in 2006.#BeAboutChange #teamcromartie
Earlier this week Cromartie's wife, Terricka Cason, alleged her her husband was cut by the Colts because of his choice to kneel during the national anthem. On an Instagram post that has since been deleted, she said, in part, “You are nothing more than an entertainer. Just shut up and do what we say… One things for sure I know my husband was told Not to take a Knee and he went with his heart and he took one. And that cost him his Job.. and Clearly this Statement backs that up… Just Paid to put on a show.”