Auston Matthews won't be taking a knee during "The Star-Spangled Banner" anytime soon.
The American-born Toronto Maple Leafs star told reporters Monday he's not the type to kneel during an anthem, saying he considers it a "dishonor" to those who "fight for that flag."
Here's Matthews' full answer, via TSN's Kristen Shilton:
Auston Matthews well-spoken today on political climate in the 🇺🇸. Supports athletes speaking out, but wouldn't kneel himself during anthem pic.twitter.com/cG1YrW15hw
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 25, 2017
However, Matthews clarified that he believes in the right to freedom of speech.
"Isn't that one of the Amendments? You have the right to say what you want," he said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
On Sunday, dozens of NFL players kneeled, locked arms, and remained in the locker room during the anthem in a widespread protest of police brutality and racial inequality given new life by the president's vulgar criticism of the movement.
Also on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced their intent to visit the White House. That revelation came one day after the NBA's Golden State Warriors confirmed they won't be going and two days after Warriors guard Stephen Curry said he hoped his team wouldn't make the trip.
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