Antonio Cromartie’s wife says Colts cut the cornerback because of anthem protest

So far this year, the only Colts player we’ve seen take a knee during the national anthem in protest has been cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who was cut after the team’s week four loss to the Jaguars.

Cromartie gave the team solid play in the first four games after being signed during the preseason, but he had a terrible first half of the game against Jacksonville. The Colts then cut him the following week, which though odd because of it being just one bad half, still made some since because of his struggles. Cromartie’s wife, however, thinks it was tied to the anthem protest, and posted on Instagram that the Colts actually gave Cromartie a warning not to kneel.

Cromartie’s wife says that he was told not to kneel, and then after he did it led to him being cut. If so, that would be counter to what Chuck Pagano had said publicly about how it’s a person’s right to choose.

Owner Jim Irsay said the other day that, "It hasn't been a positive thing” regarding the anthem protests. "What we all have to be aware of as players, owners, PR people, equipment managers, is when the lights go on we are entertainment. We are being paid to put on a show. There are other places to express yourself." Irsay’s comments seem mainly about the business side of the sport and that he thinks the protests are affecting that, but the comments still weren’t too well-received.

It’s important to note that we don’t know whether these allegations are true or not, so it’s best not to overreact. But if what Cromartie’s wife says is actually true, it’s a really bad look for the Colts in trying to limit or prohibit what their players can and cannot say.