In his first interview since being released from prison, O.J. Simpson talked to The Buffalo News. The former NFL player spoke extensively about football and the current events surrounding the sport from CTE to Colin Kaepernick’s protest.
Simpson disclosed that despite their friendship he would not have voted for President Donald Trump. “Somebody asked me if I’d have voted for him,” Simpson said. “Probably not, but I only know two of my friends I’d vote to be president. Some of my best, best besties I would not vote to be president. That has no bearing on it, you know?”
He did make the point to say that he agrees with Trump’s stance on Colin Kaepernick and other players kneeling during the national anthem.
“I think Colin made a mistake,” Simpson said. “I really appreciate what he was trying to say. I thought he made a bad choice in attacking the flag.” Simpson, who also played for the 49ers at one point like Kap, says his continued kneeling of the flag is what made it the biggest mistake of his career. Kaepernick has not been employed by the NFL since ending out the season in 2016.
Simpson continued explaining his own experience with social injustices and how that has no bearing on the flag. “I grew up at a time when deacons were in the KKK. I don’t disrespect the Bible because of those guys. The flag shouldn’t be disrespected because of what cops do. The flag represents what we want America to be.”
He concluded his stance on the matter by saying, “I’m a firm believer in doing what you think is right, but I would always stand for the flag.”
