Baker Mayfield decides to stand for the anthem

[Chomps]

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Baker Mayfield has done an about face.

The Browns quarterback, who insisted in June and reiterated in August that he’d be kneeling for the national anthem, had announced via social media that he will stand.

“After watching Thursday’s game and also watching the Dolphins player’s [sic] video,” Mayfield said, “it shows that it is not about who is standing or who is kneeling for the anthem. But instead, coming together and taking action to create real change. Also after reading many letters and messages over the past few weeks… I have been showed that a gesture such as kneeling will only create more division or discussion about the gesture, rather than be a solution towards our country’s problems at hand. With that being said, I am choosing to stand for both anthems to show respect, love, and unity to everybody involved.

“I will respect all of my teammates no matter their decision. We have had meaningful discussions on what true change looks like, and that change takes all of us being together. My heart is even more passionate than it was months ago, due to the fact that we are not close to being where our country needs to be. I love this country, but these challenges and adversity are an opportunity for much needed change for issues that have been going on far too long. It is going to come down to how we handle adversity and taking advantage of our opportunities.

“I am posting this now so it is not a discussion on game day. And so the discussion can continue to be about how to better our country, instead of divide us. Our team is ready to fight for our goals both on and off the field.”

In June, Mayfield said on social media that he would “absolutely” kneel for the anthem. In August, he doubled down.

“I don’t have any regrets,” Mayfield said. “Right is right, and wrong is wrong. It’s nothing against the military. Anybody that knows me knows I completely support the military. It’s a human rights issue.”

Every player has the right to make a decision on this issue, and to change his decision. He also has the right to speak his mind on this or any topic. It’s one of the benefits of the platform.

If some don’t want to hear it, they don’t have to listen. That’s a far better and more appropriate approach than telling players to shut up and play.