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Army Ranger NFL Player Says He’s ‘Embarrassed’ Over National Anthem Incident

David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
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Former Army Ranger and current Pittsburgh Steelers player Alejandro Villanueva told the media he’s embarrassed over the fact he stood alone during the national anthem prior to Sunday’s game in Chicago.

Villanueva was the only player to stand during the anthem Sunday against the Bears. The rest of his team waited in the tunnel.

Tribune-Review reporter Chris Adamski tweeted out several quotes the former Ranger gave to reporters on Monday.

“Every single time I see that picture of me standing by myself, I feel embarrassed,” he told the media.

The offensive tackle also told reporters, “I made coach Tomlin look bad, and that is my fault and my fault only. I made my teammates look bad, and that is my fault…only.”

Villanueva also claimed his presence for the anthem wasn’t initially intended, but he felt he couldn’t leave the field once the anthem had started.

This is a crazy turn of events because it kind of derails the narrative that Villenueva felt like he had to be out there for the anthem while the rest of his team refused. Instead, it seems like it’s more an accident that he was alone during the anthem and initially intended to remain with his team in the tunnel.

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