Wesleyan players explain taking a knee

Quincy Butler and Jamal Jackson
Jackson and Butler are speaking out about their protest. (Photo courtesy IWU)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – The two Illinois Wesleyan University football players who took a knee during the national anthem are explaining their decision.

Jamal Jackson and Quincy Butler took the stand during last Saturday’s football game. Butler told WJBC’s Eric Stock, if you have questions – ask.

PODCAST: Listen to our interview with Butler and Jackson.

“If it really bothers you that much, like I really want them to feel comfortable coming up to me and talking,” said Butler. “That’s ultimately the goal you want to have.”

Jackson said curiosity about their actions is a good thing as he feels he has been mistreated as a black man.

“The conversation begins when we upset people enough to where they want to stand up against us so we can tell them what we are not standing up for,” said Jackson.

Wesleyan’s coach and college president do not object to the players’ actions.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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