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“I wanted to take the time to clear up something that was misreported by NBC,” Allen said in a special video for the team’s website. “For every game of my career, I have taken a knee towards the end of our anthem to say a prayer for every man that steps foot on that field.
“Because of recent events, I have to stand here and explain to you why I’m kneeling on the field. After reviewing some of the comments, over the social media platforms, I realize that sometimes a few will spoil the bunch. But it was a vast majority that were expressing words of hate, not love, not devotion and not pride for our great nation. What I want most is for this world to be a better place for everyone who lives in it. For this country to be a better America for everyone who lives in it. And for those reasons, I’ll continue to kneel and I’ll continue to pray. I love this country. I love everyone that lives in it. Go Colts.”
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Allen previously explained in Week 1 when he was seen kneeling that he was saying a prayer, but the spotlight of Sunday Night Football brought attention to it. Al Michaels talking about it didn’t help, although later in the broadcast, NBC clarified it was a prayer.
As for Allen, it’s understandable why he felt the need to make a statement. He’s been flooded with hate messages through social media, with some people happy he was injured during the game.
