Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Myke Tavarres has called an audible and will stand for the national anthem, after all.
Tavarres had previously stated that he’d sit out the National Anthem during the Eagles fourth and final preseason game against the New York Jets. He said that he thought about sitting during Week 3 on Saturday but ultimately wasn’t quite determined enough to make the move.
He elaborated on why he was thinking about joining Colin Kaepernick in protesting the anthem.
“We’ve got an issue in this country in this day and age, and I feel like somebody needs to step up and we all need to step up,” Tavarres said, per Tim McManus of ESPN. “We’ve got that right. There’s just a lot going on that people don’t want to talk about, and I feel like us as athletes, we’re looked at as role models. And I feel like with Colin Kaepernick, he’s doing a great job for standing up in what he believes in, and most people may not like that, but that’s his opinion, he’s entitled to it, and I respect him for doing it.”
But according to Tavares’ agent, Corey Williams, those plans have now changed.
“He plans on standing for the National Anthem,” Williams said. “Myke does not want to be a distraction to the Philadelphia Eagles organization. Myke’s goal is and will always be to make the Eagles 53-man roster and help the team win a Super Bowl.”
Williams also confirmed that he advised Tavarres to change his course.
The problem with the “not wanting to be a distraction” argument is that he’s still going to be one. Tavarres made his declaration already.
People are going to ask his teammates questions about it. Heck, people around the league are fielding questions about Colin Kaepernick’s decision, including those who have no connection to Kaepernick or the San Francisco 49ers.
If anything, Tavarres can now expect the distraction to be heightened. He’s still going to be asked why he initially wanted to protest. Now, he’ll also be asked about why he’s changed his mind.