Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans says he will not continue to protest the election of Donald Trump as president by declining to stand for the national anthem before games.
The third-year pro apologized Wednesday to the military and anyone else ‘‘truly affected’’ by him not joining his teammates in standing on the sideline before last week’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Evans stopped short of saying he regretted not standing for the anthem on Salute To Service Day at Raymond James Stadium . He still thinks Trump’s election is not good for the country, but instead of protesting he intends to try to impact the plight of minorities in other ways.
‘‘I know I've hurt a lot of people by doing what I did. I'm sorry to those who are truly affected by what I did, to those who are disappointed in what I did, and to my teammates,’’ Evans said.
He said reaction from fans and others on social media has been mixed.
‘‘It’s what I expected. Some people were saluting me, some people were showing evil, and a lot of hate,’’ said Evans, who’s tied for the NFL lead in touchdown receptions with eight.
‘‘I just want people to understand that you can’t just hate somebody because they have different beliefs and different views than you,’’ Evans said. ‘‘That’s the problem, that’s why I did what I did. That’s what I want people to understand, you can’t just wish harm on somebody because they have different beliefs than you. Everyone didn’t grow up the same.’’
Evans, 23, grew up in Galveston, Texas. He said he will reach out to different organizations and ‘‘use my voice to help minorities,’’ including blacks, Latinos, women, the LGBT community and other ‘‘people that are in fear of Donald Trump and his presidency.’’
Quarterback Jameis Winston was among the teammates who said they respected Evans’ right to protest.
‘‘Yeah, I talked to him about it and I'm definitely on his side. I respect his beliefs. ... I've got his back,’’ Winston said.
HOF semifinalists
First-year eligibles LaDainian Tomlinson, Hines Ward, Jason Taylor and Brian Dawkins are among 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2017.
Joining them as first-time semifinalists is tackle-guard Chris Hinton, who retired in 1989 but has made this cut for the first time.
The other 21 candidates — there was a tie for 25th in voting by Hall of Fame selectors as the list was trimmed from an original 94 — all have made it this far in the past.
Two coaches, Don Coryell and Jimmy Johnson, have made the semifinals. So has placekicker Morten Andersen, the NFL’s career scoring leader.
Previously nominated by the veterans committee was safety Kenny Easley, and by the contributors’ committee were Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
The 2017 class will be selected on Feb. 4, the day before the Super Bowl. Between four and eight new members will be chosen.
Vikings sign kickerThe Vikings signed kicker Kai Forbath as the replacement for Blair Walsh, who was released Tuesday. Forbath kicked for New Orleans in 10 games last season after being let go by Washington. Between the Redskins and Saints, he was 10 for 15 on field goals and 35 of 36 on extra points. The Vikings also signed rookie offensive tackle Rashod Hill off Jacksonville’s practice squad after losing Jake Long for the season to an Achilles’ tendon injury . . . Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Rams with a dislocated left wrist. Albert, a Pro Bowler, was hurt in last Sunday’s win over the Chargers . . . Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston could make his season debut this weekend against Tampa Bay. Coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that the four-time Pro Bowler, who had surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee in February, is ‘‘heading in that direction,’’ but he warned that there is no hurry to get Houston onto the field.
RG3 takes a step
Cleveland quarterback Robert Griffin III, who broke a bone in his left shoulder while making his debut with the Browns in the season opener, has been cleared for noncontact drills and could play again this season. However, he won’t practice this week, and it’s not clear when he'll be back on the field. Griffin was on a stationary bike off to the side at Wednesday’s practice . . . The 2-7 Jaguars are on the verge of making NFL history for futility. The Jaguars have gone nearly six games — more than 23 quarters — without a takeaway. Their five-game streak is tied for the longest drought in the NFL since the 1970 merger. Jacksonville can set the mark Sunday at Detroit . . . Bob Gain, an eight-time All-Pro defensive lineman who helped the Browns win three consecutive NFL titles from 1954-56, died Monday at age 87 . . . Detroit linebacker DeAndre Levy was able to practice, and was later listed as limited. He has had knee issues and hasn't played since Sept. 11.
