Mike Evans Has Already Caved On His National Anthem Protest

That was short-lived.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has already apologized for sitting for the national anthem ahead of Sunday’s Bears-Bucs game. Evans said he was sitting to protest Donald Trump becoming president-elect:

A reality star can be the president, that’s not a good look for America, I think. Because of who he is. It’s not about the Republican party or Democratic party or anything like that. It’s just who he is, and it’s well documented what he’s done, and I’m not gonna stand for somebody I don’t believe in.

Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter said Monday that he was “disappointed” with Evans for sitting for the anthem.

Evans apparently commented on someone else’s Instagram post and said he did not vote in the election.

Today, Evans sent an apology to military members through ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Sunday happened to be the NFL’s Salute To Service day.

I want to start by apologizing to all the U.S. military members, their families, and the fans who I offended by my actions on Sunday. It was never my intention as I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve our country.

I have very strong emotions regarding some of the many issues that exist in our society today. I chose to sit as an expression of my frustration towards this year’s election. It was very personal for me, as it was for so many Americans.

Evans said he will stand for the anthem going forward:

I will not sit again during the National Anthem because I want to focus my efforts on finding more effective ways to communicate my message and bring about change by supporting organizations and movements that fight for equal rights for minorities.

This Sunday, I will be back to standing with my teammates.

I wonder whether the Buccaneers put pressure on Evans to apologize, or if he just didn’t think this through enough to commit in the first place.