Saying he will “not let a couple unprofessional individuals… steer me from the fact on the opportunity this country gives for everyone,” Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt explained his position for his intention to stand during the playing of the national anthem before games.

In a message posted to his verified Instagram account Thursday, Tuitt further clarified remarks he made in posts to his verified Twitter account Monday. Among the Monday tweets read, “I’m not kneeling for the flag and screw anybody who (has) a problem with that.”

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I stand for the flag because I am a proud American. Like previously stated, this country has provided and rewarded my family in so many ways through our perseverance and hard work. I will continue to honor my country and be an example to my children to stand for what they believe in. In regards to police brutality and the black lives matter movement I will support these causes through other means. It’s unfortunate that a couple unprofessional individuals have caused such havoc on our country and damaged the trust of its citizens. I will not let those individuals steer me from the fact on the opportunity this country gives for everyone. God Bless.

A post shared by Stephon Tuitt (@stuitt) on Jul 30, 2020 at 1:17pm PDT

“I stand for the flag because I am a proud American,” Tuitt’s message on Thursday read. “Like previously stated, this country has provided and rewarded my family in so many ways through our perseverance and hard work. I will continue to honor my country and be an example to my children to stand for what they believe in.”

Tuitt’s post Monday had said, “My grandmother was (an) immigrant from the Carribean and… worked her ass off to bring 20 people over the right way. She had no money and educated herself to be a nurse. She living good now.”

In the wake of the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers in May, dozens of NFL players have said, wrote or indicated they might kneel during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner as a form of protest.

No Pittsburgh Steelers players have publicly said they will kneel during the anthem. Coach Mike Tomlin has said he will support players who display forms of protest “as long as it’s done thoughtfully.” In the past, Tomlin — and many Steelers players — have stressed a desire that every player on the roster present a united front, regardless of what the choice of expression was.

Some on social media were critical of Tuitt’s post Monday.

“In regards to police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement I will support these causes through other means,” Tuitt wrote on Instagram. “It’s unfortunate that a couple unprofessional individuals have caused such havoc on our country and damaged the trust of its citizens. I will not let those individuals steer me from the fact on the opportunity this country gives for everyone. God Bless.”

A former second-round pick out of Notre Dame, Tuitt is entering his seventh season with the Steelers. He is currently the highest-paid defensive player on the team.

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