Baker Mayfield made headlines earlier in the offseason when he said he'd "absolutely" kneel during the national anthem ahead of NFL games.
A day before the Browns' season opener against the Ravens, however, the quarterback said he's changed his mind. Mayfield in a statement released on Twitter said he would stand during the anthem. He says his decision came after watching Thursday night's opening game between the Chiefs and Texans and the video released by Dolphins players.
"After watching Thursday’s game and also watching the Dolphins players' video, it shows that it is not about who is standing or who is kneeling for the anthem," Mayfield said. "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 (sic) 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."
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— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) September 12, 2020
Mayfield added that while he'll be standing for the anthem, he respects anyone who may not.
"I will respect all of my teammates no matter their decision," Mayfield said. "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."
He added he wanted to announce this decision ahead of time as to not create any distractions on Sunday.
“I am posting this now so it is not a discussion on game day," Mayfield said. "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."
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While Mayfield's decision to not protest during the anthem pleased some, others were upset by his reversal.
I'm writing a book where I've interviewed dozens of HS and college athletes who kneeled during the anthem. They faced death threats and scorn with no publicity or fame to show for it. @bakermayfield could learn something from their courage. If bravery was easy, we'd all be brave.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) September 12, 2020
Baker Mayfield changes his mind to kneel AFTER fans boo a display of unity not even during the national anthem? This is peak white privilege https://t.co/cnvncZE6Uh
— 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 (@exavierpope) September 12, 2020
baker mayfield got tackled by cops in college, he lived after that encounter. but sure, make this out to be about anthem etiquette and some arbitrary “divisive” culture, and not about black folk who don’t get to live after police encounters.
— mike taddow (@taddmike) September 12, 2020
This is the point with Baker. Reaped the benefit (off the backs of people across the country who protested—and especially black players) but when time to actually live up to his word backs down. It’s such trash. https://t.co/WkqZYqBBBW
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) September 12, 2020
Y'all really thought @bakermayfield was gonna take a knee?! https://t.co/q2L2IKzoDm
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) September 12, 2020
