Antonio Cromartie responds to Jim Irsay anthem comments, hate in Instagram post

Antonio Cromartie kneeled during the national anthem while playing for Jim Irsay’s Indianapolis Colts. Now Cromartie is responding to comments Irsay made about the practice.

Irsay had some harsh words for the anthem protests of which Cromartie was a part. The cornerback, who was released earlier in the month, fired back in an Instagram post.

They say it's not the right place or venue to do what is right and stand for what is right. I guarantee that most of the people that's sending me hate messages don't even know the top 2 members that are leading in this country in homelessness. Well let me educate you. #1 Veterans #2 Children. But you guys care so much about the people that fought for this country. It's crazy while I was Indiana I had a chance to talk to some veterans that didn't have a problem with me taking a knee. Because they understood my reason behind it. I thank them my grandfather and my friends for their support who also served this country. Some of y'all I have to sit back and pray for, Because right now with everything that's going on in this country and with these two idiots making the presidential debate a reality show and a joke and it's sad. I pray that we make a change for the better. It starts by being honest with yourself, also by not being blind with what's going on in our communities and our country. I've played this game for 11 years and I am grateful for the opportunity the lord and the @chargers gave me back in 2006. #BeAboutChange #teamcromartie

A photo posted by Antonio Cromartie (@antoniocromartie31) on Oct 20, 2016 at 2:32pm PDT

Cromartie probably wanted to speak up along with his wife, who had some very strong comments on Irsay as well. The owner’s comments were bound to cause a reaction given the subject matter.