Giants’ Michael Thomas addresses reasons for anthem protests

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — At the risk of re-igniting the vitriol that comes whenever the discussion turns to last season’s NFL player protests and the league’s new national anthem policy it is important, I believe, to bring to light some of the comments made on Tuesday by Michael Thomas of the New York Giants.

Thomas, who joined the Giants as a free agent in the offseason, was one of the Dolphins who protested during the anthem last season and has been outspoken about the reasons for that. Thomas said he doesn’t know how players will respond to the anthem policy, which asks players who do not wish to stand to remain in the locker room during the anthem.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk with my brothers. It is clear where everyone stands on this. I don’t know how many of you know me or did any research on me, but you all know who I am and where I stand,” Thomas said.

Here is Thomas last season addressing the reasons he joined protests.

Thomas, quite honestly, doesn’t seem like a player looking for controversy. He simply seems to be one trying to make a positive impact on his community.

He worked with the Dolphins last season to create a scholarship program to send students to college, and said Tuesday he has had talks with the Giants about establishing something similar. He said that he does hope to “use this New York platform to make a big change.”

“Everyone knows what this is about. If you don’t, then I suggest paying attention to what most people say,” Thomas said. “For me, it has already been stated what this is already about. It is bigger than us. A lot of people try and make this about something else than what it is. For me and my brothers, we know in our hearts why we are doing it and why we are taking this stance. We are not going to let it get distorted even if we have to find different methods and different ways to find a way to get our message across, then we are going to do that.”