Michael Bennett Informs Pats That He'll Remain In Locker Room During The National Anthem This Season

Newly-acquired Patriots defensive end Michael Bennett has been one of the NFL's most outspoken players in recent memory, and he intends to keep it that way in New England.

Bennett, who spoke at Princeton University on Monday, informed fans he plans on staying in the locker room during the National Anthem for the upcoming season—a conversation which he said he has had already with Patriots executives.

"I explained to them that my integrity means everything," Bennett said. "I think they respect that about me, they respect who I am as an individual."

I am very much for standing for the flag, but I understand why some players still elect to kneel. While I don't agree with that approach for the overall cause, it's fully within their first amendment rights to do so, and I respect Bennett more for choosing to leave his politics in the locker room rather than on the field for the upcoming season.