A retired Navy officer declined to be honored at an NFL game over the anthem protests

Wells is the longtime Executive Director of Military Veterans Advocacy, a national organization based in Slidell, Louisiana, that works for veterans' rights.

Circa   "A retired Navy officer has declined an award that would have been given to him at an upcoming National Football League (NFL) game, according to WDSU 6 News.

"WDSU on Thursday reported that Cmdr. John Wells will not accept the honor at this Sunday’s New Orleans Saints contest due to the NFL’s ongoing national anthem protests.

"Wells was selected for the Peoples Health Champion Award, which is given to people who have “significant accomplishments” and have achieved “senior citizen status.”

“ 'I am unable, in good conscience, to enter an NFL stadium while this discourtesy prevails,” he wrote to executives of Peoples Health and the Saints." . . .

“ 'I had hoped and prayed that the NFL would outlaw these disgraceful protests and wanted to give the commissioner and the owners a fair opportunity to do so,” Wells added.

“ 'Their failure to act is a slap in the face to all of those who served in uniform. Men and women have fought and died for the flag that the players are disrespecting.”

"Wells additionally noted that the award has been “tainted with dishonorable actions” by the NFL and its players.

"The award would have been presented to Wells during this Sunday’s game between the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans." . . .

Veterans advocate declines award from Saints  . . . "Wells says he's had enough of the actions by players in the league and their disrespect. He says he is a longtime fans of football and the Saints.

'' 'I haven't gone to any games, I've talked to other veterans and we feel these protests in the NFL are a slap in the face to veterans,'' said Wells.

DAV.org

"Wells was to accept the People's Health Champions award. Wells says while he's touched to be selected, he just can't accept.

'' 'Basically, I want it to stop, and if there's a conversation to be had, then let's have a conversation, but let's not disrespect the very flag that gives us the right to have that conversation,'' said Wells." . . .