Steelers’ Alejandro Villanueva Never Intended To Stand Alone During Anthem
“Every single time I see that picture of me standing by myself, I feel embarrassed.”
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Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva said he never intended to stand alone during the National Anthem during Sunday’s game. The team’s original plan to stay in the locker room during the anthem was amended at Villanueva’s request, to instead stand at the front of the tunnel. “Every single time I see that picture of me standing by myself, I feel embarrassed,” Villanueva said. “We butchered our plan.” He takes full responsibility for the seemingly disorganized message to President Donald Trump. Villanueva stated that he has taken no offense to players who have chosen to take a knee during the anthem in protest of “injustices and racial divide,” including former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. “I don’t think veterans at the end of the day take any offense. They actually signed up and fought so that somebody could take a knee and protest peacefully whatever it is that their heart's desire,” Villanueva said.
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