Cris Carter on National Anthem Protest: ‘I personally would not’

NFL Hall of Famer and Miami Valley native Cris Carter weighed in on the continued protests during the playing of the national anthem on Fox Business’ “Varney & Co.” on Saturday.

The Middletown High School grad and Buckeyes standout said he would not use the anthem as a protest platform, but would not discourage others from protesting.  “I do believe as American citizens in the right to protest,” Carter said. “Now, as a person who has been associated with the NFL for the last 30 years, I would never take the national anthem and sit on it.”

MORE: Former Buckeye Cris Carter: 'Smash Oklahoma’

Carter further explained his position saying that he recognizes the reasoning for the protest.  “Most of the people who are protesting, they are not protesting what the flag means or being political,” Carter said.  “They are bringing attention to the injustices for a certain group of people.”

Carter spent 16 seasons in the NFL and is currently a broadcast analyst for Fox Sports.

RELATED: Unions won’t hold flag in Cleveland Browns’ opening game ceremony

Last season, former San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick began to kneel during the national anthem.  In a preseason interview, Kaepernick said his protest was to bring awareness about what is going on in the country.

During the season, several players would follow Kaepernick and either sit or kneel during the anthem.

About the Author