Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Apologizes for Comments on National Anthem Protests
The Supreme Court Justice apologized for her "harsh" reaction.
— -- Justice Ginsburg apologized for her critical comment about San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick and other athletes who refuse to stand during the national anthem.
The Supreme Court Justice said in an interview with Yahoo News anchor Katie Couric that "it was really dumb and disrespectful" for Kaepernick and other athletes to protest the anthem by kneeling and refusing to stand. Ginsburg said she wouldn’t arrest them for the choice, but added, "How ridiculous it seems to me to do such an act."
Today, Ginsburg issued a statement saying she hadn't fully considered their actions before and her previous remarks were too reactive.
"Some of you have inquired about a book interview in which I was asked how I felt about Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players who refused to stand for the national anthem," the Justice said. "Barely aware of the incident or its purpose, my comments were inappropriately dismissive and harsh. I should have declined to respond."
In July, Ginsburg said her comments on a potential Trump presidency were "ill advised."
"Judges should avoid commenting on a candidate for public office," she said in a statement issued by the court at the time. "In the future I will be more circumspect."