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Kelly clarifies harsh remarks of LeSean McCoy

Kelly on McCoy: I lost a lot of respect for him
Posted at 1:29 PM, Sep 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-26 11:18:33-04

Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is clarifying harsh remarks he made concerning Bills running back LeSean McCoy.

McCoy stretched outduring the National Anthem Sunday at New Era Field before the Bills victory over the Denver Broncos.

Speaking on 97 Rock Monday, the former Bills quarterback said, "I lost a lot of respect for him," when asked about McCoy's demonstration on Sunday.

"I like LeSean McCoy, don't get me wrong, but I totally, 100 percent I disagree with what he did," Kelly went on to say. “You want to kneel? That’s your prerogative. I would never do that. I will always stand, thank the good Lord for everything I got. But when you disrespect the way he did and just go by his everyday duty in the National Anthem being sung? I won’t go for that.”

Hours before his comments on the radio show, Kelly posted a picture on Instagram with the caption: 

"Even though I'm thankful the BILLS won today, I'm really upset and sad about what's happening. And I imagine many of you are too. I love the game of football and all that it means to the players, fans and cities across THIS country ... but with all that's going on it's hard. The only time I will ever take a knee is to pray and to thank the Good Lord for what he's given me. We all have our issues. We all need to try and appreciate and understand each other and help each other and that goes for our PRESIDENT TOO. I don't have all the answers. But I do know that we need to UNITE not SEPARATE. I hope next week we can STAND, LOCK ARMS and become ONE FAMILY."

This morning, Kelly tempered his criticism. In a statement, he said that while he doesn't believe the anthem is the appropriate forum, he agrees with the reason players have chosen to hold peaceful protests.

Kelly said he and McCoy have since exchanged text messages and have come to terms on the issue.

McCoy had told reporters Sunday after the game that he was bothered by the comments of President Trump. The President had taken to twitter over the weekend to call on team owners to fire anyone who protested the National Anthem.

McCoy explained his actions Sunday. He said, "I can't stand and support something where our leader of this country is just acting like a jerk."