Drew Brees has issued a very heartfelt apology for controversial comments that he made during a Yahoo Finance interview.

Drew's comments garnered immediate backlash on social media and also served as a stronger divider between those who felt his comments were insensitive and poorly timed and others who wholeheartedly agreed with his position, regardless of the intention of his words being twisted.

In his Instagram post, Drew didn't tip-toe around the issue and faced the backlash head-on while also clarifying his stance when it comes to the black community and the movement for equality.

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.

In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, 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. 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.

This is where I stand:

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 acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community.
I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement.
I will never know what it’s like to be a black man or raise black children in America but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right.
I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy.
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.

Regardless of how you feel about Brees' comments, it can't be denied that accountability has always been a part of his character. Personally, I believe his apology is genuine and hopefully, we measure him by these words and not the sensationalized headlines.

Some conversations and confrontations are uncomfortable, but also necessary for positive change; and I think this is a solid example.

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