“At the end of the day, it's not anything toward the national anthem and the United States,” Barrett said. “It was more having the right and the freedom because we're the home of the free and the land of the brave, that aspect of it.”
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Like many, the Ohio State quarterback was aware of the situation being re-ignited by President Donald Trump, who told a crowd in Alabama over the weekend NFL owners should fire players who take part in protests during games.
“I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ That’s why we're the United States,” Barrett said. “We have the ability and freedom of speech and freedom to protest whatever you want. You can be all the over in left field. It really doesn't mater. That's who we are as Americans. The fact that he tried to quiet people down and silence that was really wild to me.”
Jalyn Holmes, a senior defensive lineman and like Barrett a team captain, said he has been the victim of social injustice and discrimination and there have been discussions in the OSU locker room about making some sort of demonstration.
“We talked about it, but we ain’t made no plans or anything,” he said. “One thing we do talk about is just controlling what we can, and the way I can control it is to give back to the community.
“There’s no point in taking a knee for that if you’re not really participating in the community, if you’re just doing it to look cool. You’ve gotta do it with a purpose.”
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