Retired Navy Cmdr. John Wells has declined an award that was to be presented by the New Orleans Saints, citing ongoing anthem protests by NFL players.
Wells was named recipient of a Peoples Health Champion award, granted to senior citizens who have made significant accomplishments after reaching the age of 65.
Wells, executive director of the national Military Veterans Advocacy, said that he couldn’t accept the award, refusing to even enter an NFL stadium after players have spent a good portion of the season disrespecting his service, and the service of all veterans.
He told the Saints he was unable “in good conscience, to enter an NFL stadium” for any reason.
Instead of being honored, Cdr John Wells chose to honor America. I think real Americans and Cdr John Wells are on the same page.
— Sid Briscoe (@briscoe_sidney) November 2, 2017
“Although I am touched and honored to be selected for such an award, the ongoing controversy with NFL players’ disrespect for the national flag forces me to decline to participate in the presentation,” Wells announced. “Since this award is tainted with the dishonorable actions of the NFL and its players, I cannot accept it. To do so would be hypocritical.”
The Saints have perhaps one of the worst lowlights of the season when it comes to kneeling protests. Players actually took a knee during a moment of silence for fallen police Officer Marcus McNeil, a 29-year-old husband and father of two children, ages two and five.
It was as disgraceful as it gets …
If you thought kneelers couldn’t get any more disrespectful, you were wrong. @Saints @NFL @nflcommishhttps://t.co/MgPU74Mfja
— Blue Lives Matter (@bluelivesmtr) October 15, 2017
With that lack of respect in mind, it probably won’t surprise you that the New Orleans Saints organization responded to Wells’ refusal to accept the award by attacking him as “sad and divisive.”
@Saints “Decided to move on from this sad and divisive discourse…” Your players and their FAILED CULTURE created the DIVISIVENESS, period!
— Nathan (@Nathan63333598) November 3, 2017
“We will not allow Mr. Wells’ decision and subsequent media appearances to distract our players and organization from continuing to honor and support our military and veterans,” the Saints said in a statement. “We, as an organization, have decided to move on from this sad and divisive discourse and focus our attention on supporting our military and veterans.”
The only thing ‘sad and divisive’ are the NFL players on their knees and those that encourage them. Wells is an American hero. The Saints are an American embarrassment.
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