Kate Upton decided to wander into the political arena on Sunday with some tweets about the ongoing national anthem protests in the NFL, and the results were … let’s just be generous and say “mixed.” Upton referenced the Miami Dolphins players who decided to kneel during the anthem, and offered up this bit of commentary:
This is unacceptable. You should be proud to be an American. Especially on 9/11 when we should support each other. https://t.co/qFozwaH9Bu
— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 11, 2016
Many saw the 15th anniversary of 9/11 as an unfortunate choice of a day for protests. But that’s the thing about protests: They’re not particularly effective if they’re comfortable for all concerned.
Protest&speak ur mind whenever u want but during the 120secs you should support the people who protect our freedom. https://t.co/qFozwaH9Bu
— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 11, 2016
“Whenever you want…EXCEPT during the anthem.” Also, this protest is about police-community relations and has nothing to do with the military; at least one member of the Dolphins was standing during a 9/11 tribute video and only knelt once the anthem started.
Upton took to Instagram to outline her beliefs in detail:

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.
A photo posted by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on Sep 11, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT
But then appeared to offer support for the exact cause the protesters seek to highlight:
Have every right to protest&should stand up for beliefs.Justice system IS corrupt.Not the time during anthem on 9/11 https://t.co/JH1J9gTusV
— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 12, 2016
And then walked it back again:
Sorry I wasn't clear. Never during our national anthem. Especially on 9/11 #NeverForget https://t.co/UEDIsqbXEr

— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 12, 2016
This isn’t to criticize Upton specifically; the protests have forced many football fans to re-examine (or double down on) long-standing beliefs. There are a lot of people trying to walk the same tightrope as Kate Upton right now, defending America while coming to realize the uncomfortable truth that American freedoms don’t always result in agreeable opinions. These protests are going to continue — at least seven teams protested on Sunday — and they’ll perplex and frustrate people … which, in a way, is the entire point.
Kate Upton. (AP) More NFL on Yahoo Sports

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Email him here, and find him on Twitter (@jaybusbee) and Facebook.