Ditka backtracks on comments: 'I have absolutely seen oppression'

Mike Ditka attempted to clarify comments he made recently about protests during the national anthem, where he said there was no oppression that he knew of in the last 100 years.

The former Chicago Bears head coach released a statement Tuesday night, apologizing for offending anyone with his earlier commentary.

The characterization of the statement that I made does not reflect the context of the question that I was answering and certainly does not reflect my views throughout my lifetime. I have absolutely seen oppression in society in the last 100 years and I am completely intolerant of any discrimination. The interview was about the NFL and the related issues. That's where my head was at. I was quoted in the interview stating, 'You have to be colorblind.' I stated that you should look at a person for what they are and not the color of their skin. I'm sorry if anyone was offended.

Many took issue with Ditka's statement, including the likes of Joe Namath and Steve Smith.

The 77-year-old also noted in his original comments that he would require his players to stand for the anthem if he was still coaching or they wouldn't play.

"I don't care who you are, how much money you make," Ditka said. "If you don't respect our country, then you shouldn't be in this country playing football."

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