Mike Evans refusal to stand for the national anthem on Sunday prior to the Bears game created a national stir and criticism of the Bucs 23-year old standout wide receiver.

Apparently Evans heard the message loud and clear and reevaluated his position on Tuesday, issuing a statement.

“I want to start by apologizing to all the U.S. military members, their families, and the fans who I offended by my actions on Sunday. It was never my intention as I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve our country. I have very strong emotions regarding some of the many issues that exist in our society today. I chose to sit as an expression of my frustration towards this year’s election. It was very personal for me, as it was for so many Americans. With that being said, I will not sit again during the National Anthem because I want to focus my efforts on finding more effective ways to communicate my message and bring about change by supporting organizations and movements that fight for equal rights for minorities. This Sunday, I will be back to standing with my teammates.”

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Getty Images

Evans spoke to the media following the win over the Bears and said his stance was different than 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, instead he was unhappy with the election of Donald Trump.

“I said this a long time ago,” Evans said on Sunday. “When [Trump] ran, I thought it was a joke, and the joke continues. I’m not a political person that much, but I got common sense. And I know when something’s not right.”

Evans position created a firestorm, maybe more than anyone expected after he made his feelings known on Sunday. Evans decision on Sunday led to several thousands of opinions being shared on social media, with an overwhelming amount of them criticizing his position. PewterReport.com received numerous message and emails stating fans would either boycott future home games or not renew their season tickets next year. A few fans even went as far as to burn Evans’ jersey in protest.

On Monday Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter spoke about the controversy and what he thought about Evans timing with Sunday being the Bucs “Salute To Service Day” at Raymond James.

“Again, I didn’t have anything to do with the timing so I’m not the right person to ask about that,” Koetter said. “Maybe you guys can get the chance to talk to Mike on Wednesday. I’m not the person to ask. Let me say this, Military Appreciation Day at the stadium yesterday, I thought, was awesome. I personally took pictures with a ton of Military personnel on the field. I shook a ton of hands on the field. I saw other players doing the same thing. I thought the display by the Military and the fly-over, the choir that sang before the game – I thought that was awesome. Right when the National Anthem – Jameis stands by me during the National Anthem – that Military choir sang, and when that was over, I turned and looked at Jameis and said, ‘If that doesn’t get you fired up, I don’t know what will.’”

How this controversy would have affected the remainder of the Bucs 2016 season is anyones guess, but regardless it wouldn’t have helped the Bucs as they try and get back to .500 this Sunday with a tough matchup with the 7-2 Chiefs in Kansas City. There most likely has been some damage done, but little that can’t be repaired with Evans explanation now offered and his decision to stand moving forward.