TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans says he will not continue to protest the election of Donald Trump as president by declining to stand for the national anthem before games.The third-year pro apologized Wednesday to the military and anyone else truly affected by him not joining his teammates in standing on the sideline before last weeks game against the Chicago Bears.Evans stopped short of saying he regretted not standing for the anthem on Salute To Service Day at Raymond James Stadium . He still thinks Trumps election is not good for the country, but instead of protesting he intends to try to impact the plight of minorities in other ways.I know Ive hurt a lot of people by doing what I did. Im sorry to those who are truly affected by what I did, to those who are disappointed in what I did, and to my teammates, Evans said.Evans said Sunday he meant no disrespect to the military, but that he viewed the election of a businessman and reality television star to the nations highest office was not a good look for America.He said reaction from fans and others on social media has been mixed.Its what I expected. Some people were saluting me, some people were showing evil, and a lot of hate, said Evans, whos tied for the NFL lead in touchdown receptions with eight.I just want people to understand that you cant just hate somebody because they have different beliefs and different views than you, Evans said. Thats the problem, thats why I did what I did. Thats what I want people to understand, you cant just wish harm on somebody because they have different beliefs than you. Everyone didnt grow up the same.Evans, 23, grew up in Galveston, Texas. He said he will reach out to different organizations and use my voice to help minorities, including blacks, Latinos, women, the LGBT community and other people that are in fear of Donald Trump and his presidency.The way people grow up, it shapes the way they think and do things. I grew up in a mixed population, white, Hispanic and black, and I feel all people are equal, Evans said, adding that he wasnt surprised by the criticism hes drawn since Sunday.It was the Salute to Service game, and so looking back on it I probably would have done it a different way, Evans said. But its done. It wont happen again. Ill be standing with my teammates. But I will be using my platform to bring (awareness).Quarterback Jameis Winston was among the teammates who said they respected Evans right to protest.Yeah, I talked to him about it and Im definitely on his side. I respect his beliefs. ... Ive got his back, Winston said.Mike is a standup guy, one of the greatest guys on this football team, the quarterback added. What he does on the field, what he does off the field, the type of man that he is, speaks for itself.Evans, who has 59 receptions for 811 yards in nine games, said he hasnt received any backlash in the locker room.My teammates are a bunch of great guys. They understand, they know what type of guy I am, they know Ill do whatever I can do to help them on the field, Evan said. They showed me the utmost respect.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Charles Oakley Jersey . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. Patrick McCaw Jersey . 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CLEVELAND -- LeBron James home court is getting a major makeover.The Cavaliers announced plans Tuesday for a $140 million project to renovate Quicken Loans Arena, the downtown home of the NBA champions since 1994.The Cavs and Cuyahoga County officials believe the arena needs an exterior face-lift and massive interior upgrades to better accommodate fans and attract future events. The Q currently hosts 200-plus events annually. The Republican National Convention was held there in July.Under the proposal, the Cavs, who are extending their lease to 2034, will pay $70 million with the balance being picked up by the county to expand the arena. The Q will remain open during construction, which is slated to begin in 2017 and take approximately two years to complete.As part of the reconstruction, the building will be modernized with a glass front, and public gathering spaces will be added along with food and beverage areas.ddddddddddddOnce the project is completed, the Cavs are hoping to host the NBA All-Star Game. Cleveland last hosted the event in 1997.The NBA is very supportive of the Quicken Loans Arena transformation project which we believe will greatly benefit the entire Cleveland community, league deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said. We understand the impact this project will have in continuing the great momentum we have all seen recently in the city.We look forward to holding our week of NBA All-Star events in Cleveland in the near future following the successful completion of The Q transformation project. ' ' '