-- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered fro

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen has dropped to his knee at the end of the national anthem since his rookie season in 2012. So when he offered his customary pregame prayer Sunday night, he never imagined the furor it would cause.The action that was misinterpreted as part of a protest movement started by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick created such a firestorm on social media that Allen and the Indianapolis Colts released a video Tuesday explaining what had happened.In the video, some of the hateful comments Allen received on social media were superimposed on the screen as Allen explained that he loves America and only wants this world to be a better place before vowing to continue praying on the sideline.On Wednesday, Allen hobbled into the locker room on crutches and then went even further by explaining he doesnt know Kaepernick or some of the other players who have been protesting police treatment of minorities. He criticized those who use vitriol, hyperbole and racial comments cloaked in the name of patriotism.I was not protesting, I was praying, Allen said. Whether I was protesting or not, it doesnt give the right for others to use those words of hate. If you want to show patriotism, show patriotism, have pride about this great nation, show your love and devotion about this great nation. Dont use words of hate to try to show harm to someone else.But Allen, who has been active in helping victims of domestic violence and won the Colts man of the year award last season, also defended their right to speak out and acknowledged he would like to help them spread the message about inequality in America.Ive wanted to shed the light on that issue and hopefully we as a great nation we can come to a place where we all say enough and we gather together and we say we do have the ability to show what true patriotism is and thats what were going to do instead of sharing hate, Allen said.---Online: AP NFL site: http://pro32.ap.org and (at)AP-NFL Toronto Blue Jays Shirts .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. Toronto Blue Jays Gear . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. https://www.cheapbluejays.com/ . There are some early surprises in the race for the Hart Trophy, but two of the contenders are the leagues biggest stars over the past decade. There are many more players in contention for the awards than just the three that Ive named, and a good or bad week can easily alter the landscape, but through the first 20 or so games of the NHL season, this is how the awards races look to me. Stitched Blue Jays Jerseys . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. Cheap Blue Jays Jerseys . LOUIS -- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St. Welcome to the Week 12 edition of our weekly illustrations focusing on the games that shape the national title race.Ohio State, Michigan dodge trouble to set up showdownThe Game was nearly derailed, as the Buckeyes escaped Michigan State with a 17-16 victory, and the Wolverines rallied from a third-quarter deficit for a 20-10 triumph.Louisville bounced from playoff picture with upset lossThe only top-10 team to lose in Week 12, Louisville and star QB Lamar Jackson saw their playoff hopes evaporate as Houston used relentless defensive pressure to earn a 36-10 win.Oklahoma statees its case by rolling past West VirginiaLeft for dead in September after losses to Houston and Ohio State, the Sooners are trying to make a late playoff push.dddddddddddd A 56-28 rout of No. 14 West Virginia in Morgantown is a good start.Colorado keeps up dream season with win over WazzuThe Buffaloes clinched a share of the Pac-12 South championship by knocking off the surging Cougars 38-24. Mike MacIntyres crew still holds out slim playoff hopes. ' ' '