Antonio Cromartie's Wife Says Colts Released CB Over National Anthem Protest

Antonio Cromartie's wife stated on social media Thursday the Indianapolis Colts' decision to release the veteran cornerback in early October was based on Cromartie's choice to kneel during the national anthem.

According to ESPN.com's Mike Wells, Cromartie's wife said the following in a since-deleted Instagram post [sic]:

"

You are Nothing More than an Entertainer. Just Shut and do what we say. You have No rights as along as you are working for me.. there are other places for you to fight and stand for what you believe.

[...]

One things for sure I know my husband was told Not to take a Knee and he went with his heart and he took one. And that cost him his Job.. and Clearly this Statement backs that up ... Just a Paid To put on a show.

"

Cromartie's wife's post may have been in response to comments made by Colts owner Jim Irsay with regard to players protesting during the anthem.

Per Jarrett Bell of USA Today (h/t Indianapolis Star), Irsay said: "I think it's the wrong venue. It hasn't been a positive thing. 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."

The 32-year-old veteran is a four-time Pro Bowler, but he struggled in four starts with the Colts.

Indianapolis has solid corner depth with Vontae Davis, Patrick Robinson and Darius Butler, which may have been a contributing factor in the release.

The Colts rank 29th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, and while Cromartie's release hasn't led to significant improvement, it has allowed Indy to test out younger players such as Rashaan Melvin.

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