Baker Mayfield reverses course on National Anthem

After saying he’d kneel during the National Anthem for the season-opener, Baker Mayfield has changed his mind. 

Baker Mayfield made plenty of headlines this summer, as the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback said he’d absolutely be kneeling with teammates during the National Anthem, and that’d he be fine with losing fans who disagreed with his decision.

Now, Mayfield has apparently reversed course and won’t be doing so. On Saturday, the signal-caller announced that while he’ll fully support his teammates who decide to do so, he won’t be kneeling and will instead be standing during the National Anthem.

Baker Mayfield released a passionate statement on why he’ll be standing during the National Anthem on Sunday

Players across multiple leagues in the USA have been kneeling during the anthem in protest of racial injustices. Mayfield said he supports those who do it, but after gathering more information on the matter, he feels his best decision will be to stand.

“After reading many letters and messages… I have been showed 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 problem at hand,” Mayfield said in his statement.

Mayfield added that after watching the Dolphins’ video and the Thursday Night Football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, he realized that him kneeling during the anthem won’t be what makes the ultimate difference in bringing everyone together.

For Mayfield, he and the rest of the Browns will want to do everything they can to get back on the right track in 2020. Cleveland was a major disappointment last season, missing the playoffs despite having high expectations.

All eyes will be on Mayfield to deliver early and often for the offense. Before the game on Sunday, though, he won’t be among the many expected players who will take a knee during the National Anthem.