If you listen to his whole statement and not selected excerpts, he does not apologize for standing. He regrets that it makes his teammates look bad (it does, correctly). He even said something about some teammates wanted to join him, but it got botched somehow. He reiterates that he does not think the anthem is the correct venue for protest. I’m supporting every player that stands, regardless of team-oriented turmoil they may be feeling.
> If you listen to his whole statement and not selected excerpts, he does not apologize for standing. <
That’s just weak spin on Villanueva’s part. Watch the video of his news conference. He says on the day before the game, he asked if he could stand at the end of the tunnel during the anthem.
Let that sink in! He did not ask for permission to go out onto the field, and honor the flag (as would be normal). He just asked if could stand at the end of the tunnel.
I really want to give Villanueva a pass, considering his remarkable prior service. But he caved here. Ain’t buying his Monday spin.
Here’s his news conference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9stIPWdkI8