#Saints’ Malcolm Jenkins is ‘glad’ for ripping Drew Brees

Malcolm Jenkins is glad he called out Drew Brees for his controversial take on kneeling during national anthems. The Saints’ new safety thought it was necessary, and it may have in part led to Brees’ series of apologies.

“I thought that it was important that our country understand the pain that black people have been dealing with and that black people carry around,” Jenkins said Tuesday on CBS. “I think we are in that amount where we need truth before we can have reconciliation, and that was an opportunity for me to share my truth, not only to Drew Brees but to anybody who’s watching.”

Amid social unrest following the May death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, Brees said he didn’t agree with anyone kneeling during the anthem, because he felt it disrespected the flag.

The comment drew heavy criticism, and led to Brees apologizing multiple times.

Several teammates, including Jenkins, have accepted that apology.

“Honestly, if at this point in time in 2020 people don’t understand what the protests [are] about then they are blatantly trying to ignore it,” Jenkins said. “So I try not to waste my time talking about the anthem … because it’s a distraction from the actual issues that are plaguing our black and brown communities, the things we need to get fixed.”

Initially, Jenkins posted a video in which he told Brees to “shut the f–k up,” but then he deleted it and posted a new one that was still critical, but less emotional, after talking to Brees about the situation.

“I look back, and I’m glad that I chose to post that video,” he said.