The New Orleans Saints quarterback offers his second apology in an Instagram video after drawing backlash for saying that he's still against kneeling during the national anthem.

AceShowbiz - Drew Brees has apologized again after offending people with his comments about the kneeling protest that was started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016. In his second apology posted in form of an Instagram video on Thursday, June 4, the NFL star promised to "do better" and declared that he's an "ally" to black community.

"I know there's not much that I can say that would make things any better right now, but I just want you to see in my eyes how sorry I am for the comments that I made yesterday," he said in the video. Reflecting on his mistake, he acknowledged, "I know that it hurt many people -- especially friends, teammates, former teammates, loved ones, people that I care and respect deeply. That was never my intention."

"The years and years of social injustice, police brutality, and the need for so much reform and change in regard to legislation and so many other things to bring equality to our black communities. I am sorry," he continued, before making his pledge, "And I will do better. And I will be part of the solution. And I am your ally."

Hours before, Drew also posted a statement of apology on his Instagram page. "I would like to apologize to my friends, teammates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone I hurt with my comments yesterday. In speaking with some of you, it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused," he wrote.

"I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country. They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy," the New Orleans Saints quarterback admitted. "Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character."

Declaring his stance in the issue, he stated, "I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference. I condemn the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today."

"I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement," he added, "I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy."

Ending his lengthy statement, he repeated his apology, "I am sick about the way my comments were perceived yesterday, but I take full responsibility and accountability. I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening...and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen. For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness."

Drew previously was slammed by people, including fellow athletes LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers, as well as his teammates Malcolm Jenkins and Michael Thomas, for saying that he's still against kneeling during the national anthem and likening it to disrespecting the flag. "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country," he told Yahoo Sports, before adding, "I love and respect my teammates, and I stand right there with them in regards to fighting for racial equality and justice."

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