One day after New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees came under fire for comments he made about kneeling during the national anthem, Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Jake Fromm also faced criticism.
Fromm stated “only elite white people” should have guns during a text conversation, later issuing an apology while also addressing his teammates and coaches in a team meeting on Thursday.
The Bills issued a statement saying they would “continue to work with” Fromm (via Nick Wojton of USA TODAY):
“Earlier today, we became aware of comments made in a text message conversation involving Jake Fromm in 2019. He was wrong and he admitted it to us. We don’t condone what he said. Jake was honest and forthcoming to us about the text exchange. He asked for an opportunity to address and apologize to his teammates and coaches today in a team meeting, which he did. We will continue to work with Jake on the responsibilities of being a Buffalo Bill on and off the field.”
Fromm's comments were insensitive, but it is somewhat encouraging to see the rookie take accountability for his words.
Granted, much like in Brees' case, Bills players will rightly take issue with the fact he ever said those words to begin with. They certainly reserve the right to demand more from their new teammate, especially given recent frustrations.
Numerous NFL players have been vocal in the past week following the death of George Floyd last Monday in Minneapolis. Some have lauded their peers' activism.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman previously said he was “impressed” with white quarterbacks advocating for racial justice and structural change, though recent events have dulled that notion somewhat
Fromm's words are a disservice to players in the NFL striving for equality on and off the field. But the Bills will hope to cultivate a greater sense of responsibility and understanding in their rookie signal-caller.