Saints held a team meeting on Drew Brees' comments and apology, Shaq attended

"Drew we know your character...we want you to do more positive things and less talking." - Shaquille O'Neal on the response from teammates to Brees' apology

.@SHAQ joined the @Saints team meeting today and described Drew Brees' apology to his teammates. pic.twitter.com/U9nKtOiydd
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 5, 2020

NBA on TNT conducted an “at home” show on Thursday evening where Shaquille O’Neal addressed what was said inside the Saints team meeting on Thursday. The team meeting, scheduled two weeks ago, was not a result of Brees’ comments according to HC Sean Payton. “So about two weeks ago I was contacted to speak to the Saints players. My speech was about team and unity then this happened.” O’Neal said.

Saints QB and captain Drew Brees, during an interview with Yahoo Interview, said he “Will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.” The comments started a social media storm that included backlash from celebrities, teammates, and other NFL players. Brees has since apologized via Instagram with a lengthy post and later a video. Brees said his words “lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy.”

The entire team meeting was via a video conference call. The gathering was held on Thursday evening and focused on discussing the events since his Yahoo Finance interview. Drew addressed the team and apologized for his comments. Saints Punter Thomas Morestead called the meeting "a necessary conversation, not only for our team, but just as men.” While an unnamed player said "it got real in their discussions", and "it was emotional".

One player said "Most guys know, Drew is a type to make it happen, not just say it. He is going to exceed expectations to ensure he gets this right."

Some Saints players have expressed their thoughts via social media. RB Alvin Kamara and WR Michael Thomas both went to twitter to describe conversations with Brees. Defensive Captain LB Demario Davis called Brees’ apology “leadership at it’s finest”. The Saints locker room has a long way to go but the current situation will stay “in house” according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini and TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal.

JUST NOW: "For him to admit that he was wrong.. I think that is leadership at its finest."

New Orleans @Saints linebacker @demario__davis reacts to hearing @dreabrees' apology in real time. pic.twitter.com/ynY2Ssy6je
— Alli Hedges Maser (@AllisonLHedges) June 4, 2020

So what is next for the Saints? Saints News Network's GM and Reporter Kyle T. Mosley wrote:

Sometimes a leader can stumble and work to regain his/her footing with those they have let down. Brees stands in this position today. Can he truly understand, empathize, and move closer to sympathizing with his minority teammates? Or, is it more important for him to hold his views? These points must be addressed before training camp begins in July.

Drew Brees is the most accomplished New Orleans Saints player in the history of the franchise. He's been a model New Orleanian, NFL spokesperson, and compassionate philanthropist for people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region since he arrived in 2006. At this point in his career, the most challenging opponent for Brees may not be COVID-19, or a 41-year old body, nor a lack of fan support in the Superdome; but, his comments. In 2020, he will need his teammates to help reach and win Super Bowl 55 in Tampa. Not physically on the field, but emotionally in and out of the locker room.

What's next for Drew Brees, the Saints and Who Dat Nation?@ktmoze breaks it down: https://t.co/pu8MMB1FiR
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 5, 2020

"Drew we know your character...we want you to do more positive things and less talking." - Shaquille O'Neal on the response from teammates to Brees' apology

Read more of our Drew Brees articles: