An online petition that has been signed by thousands of people is calling for the statue of Ray Lewis outside of M&T Bank Stadium to be removed.
On Sunday, Lewis chose to kneel with Baltimore Ravens players in London during the playing of the national anthem. That’s why 27,000 fans and counting want his statue gone.
“I want the Ray Lewis statue at Ravens Stadium removed because of his refusal to stand during the National Anthem. That song honors our country and our veterans who fought for it. To kneel during it is disrespectful, regardless of what you are protesting,” the change.org petition reads. “I will not stand for that kind of disrespect towards our country, especially from a legend such as Ray Lewis. You stand for the National Anthem as a solute to those who can’t stand because they fought for this land.”
In an interview with 105.7 The Fan’s Scott Garceau on Tuesday, Lewis said he is not bothered by the petition and noted that he was on two knees during the national anthem because he was praying.
“It only bothers me if I blatantly did something to gain awareness for myself. What I did is for our country,” Lewis explained. “That’s why I challenge people. You can protest, I’m gonna pray.”
Lewis posted a video on Twitter back in August encouraging Colin Kaepernick to not call additional attention to himself by sharing controversial opinions. He also made some ridiculously egotistical remarks about the Ravens not signing Kaepernick, so many feel the former star linebacker is being a hypocrite.
