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Tony La Russa on Players Kneeling: 'Not Only Do I Respect, But I Applaud the Awareness'

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Following his introduction as the new manager of the White Sox, Tony La Russa addressed his controversial 2016 comments about athletes kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.

"I know in 2016 when the first issue occurred, my initial instincts were all about respecting the flag and the anthem and what America stands for. There's been a lot that's [gone] on in a very healthy way since 2016, and not only do I respect but I applaud the awareness that's come into not just society, but especially in sports.

"If you talk about specifically baseball, I applaud and would support the fact that they are now addressing [and] identifying the injustices, especially on the racial side.