NFL anthem protests: Greenville native, former Patriot Matt Light ‘ashamed’ of former team

Former New England Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light talks turkey Friday at his annual outing. GREG BILLING / CONTRIBUTED

Former New England Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light talks turkey Friday at his annual outing. GREG BILLING / CONTRIBUTED

Matt Light, a Greenville native and three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, doesn’t agree with players kneeling during the national anthem.

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Light told Sports Illustrated he's "ashamed" that more than 12 Patriots took part in NFL protests Sunday. He said it would've never happened when he played there.

“If you think that it’s OK to take a knee during our national anthem and disrespect openly the national anthem, you are wrong,” Light said. “I don’t care if you have a ‘but what about’ or a ‘it’s because of,’ that doesn’t’ matter.”

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Light played tackle for the Patriots across a decade (2001-2011). He’s surprised coach Bill Belichick allowed it.

“As a guy that’s been there and helped set up the Patriot Way so they can walk in there and do what they do, it’s beyond disheartening,” Light said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been ashamed to be a Patriot. And I promise you I’m not the only one.”

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