Petition Started To Remove Ray Lewis Statue From Ravens Stadium
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- More than 25,000 people have signed an online petition to remove the statue of Ray Lewis from outside M&T Bank Stadium after he joined current players in taking a knee during the national anthem before Sunday's game.
The change.org petition was started after Ravens players knelt during the national anthem before the team played the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The Maryland Stadium Authority has added extra security to watch the statue.
The petition has the following caption with it:
"I want the Ray Lewis statue at Ravens Stadium removed because of his refusal to stand during the National Anthem. That song honors our country and our veterans who fought for it. To kneel during it is disrespectful, regardless of what you are protesting. I will not stand for that kind of disrespect towards our country, especially from a legend such as Ray Lewis. You stand for the National Anthem as a solute to those who can't stand because they fought for this land."
Ray Lewis spoke with Scott Garceau on 105.7 The Fan on Tuesday evening, saying the petition does not bother him.
"It only bothers me if I blatantly did something to gain awareness for myself. What I did -- is for our country. That's why I challenge people," he said.
Lewis also pointed out that he had been on both knees during the protest.
"You can protest, I'm gonna pray," he said.
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