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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is not someone prone to making public statements, especially the kind that could be construed as political, controversial or divisive.So when he showed up to a news conference after a victory at Carolina last Sunday, and there was a tiny silver safety pin on his shirt, a subtle act intended to promote tolerance stood out.Its funny, Smith said Wednesday, I didnt even think it got noticed at the time.Wearing safety pins has become commonplace following the presidential election as people in all walks of life, many of whom are concerned about Donald Trumps proposed policies, have made public their desire for a more inclusive and diverse society.Ill tell you what it wasnt: It wasnt anything political. Nothing to do with the presidential election. For me, just everything to do with tolerance, understanding, Smith explained before heading out to practice.Something I found out about at my kids school where they were teaching about diversity and tolerance, and I dont know why. Just felt like it was pertinent at the time.Some athletes have expressed their dissatisfaction with Trumps election, including Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans, who sat during the national anthem before last weeks game against Chicago.The Chiefs play the Buccaneers this Sunday.That wasnt Smiths intent, though. The safety pin was meant to draw attention to the divisiveness in the country.The election may have been part of it, but so has racial discrimination that led to the Black Lives Matter movement, and perceived attacks on sexual orientation and gender equality that have been linked to North Carolinas controversial House Bill 2.Theres a lot going on right now. Things are crazy. I think theres a lack of understanding across the spectrum between people of different beliefs, Smith said. It had nothing to do with the presidential election or the outcome and everything to do with tolerance and diversity.The Chiefs have supported their players freedom to speak on social issues.In the season opener, cornerback Marcus Peters raised a gloved fist during the national anthem in a black power salute that was reminiscent of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.Peters said the act was meant to increase awareness of racial inequality, and that he stood in solidarity with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been kneeling for the anthem this season.Thats what is so great about America, right? Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. The NFL does a great job of letting people express themselves not only on the field as players, but also as people.Were just a microcosm of what this country is, Reid added. Its all healthy. Thats what makes this country the greatest place in the world to live.Smith said he didnt mean to draw attention away from the win over the Panthers, nor did he want to create a stir in the locker room.But he did say the locker room can be representative of the kind of tolerance people should embrace, pointing out that the 53 guys on the Chiefs roster come from different states with different social and economic backgrounds and varying religious beliefs.Growing up, playing team sports, theres guys in this locker room that think a vast variety of ways, Smith said. That comes back to respect and understanding, and theres a lot of respect and understanding in this locker room.Smith didnt say whether he would continue to wear a pin this season, but he did underscore that he didnt want the small act intended to promote unity to become disruptive.Like I said, its about understanding of all humans. I dont care what you believe, where you stand -- Muslim, Jewish, Christian, you name it, Smith said.I do know its been tied here or there, but thats certainly not why I wore it. It originated from my kids school and theyre trying to teach about diversity. I wasnt trying to be a distraction.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Stitched Diamondbacks Jerseys . Wall made the comment in a speech to a Regina business crowd that included Lesnar. The U.S. wrestler and retired mixed martial artist says he was visiting his brothers farm in Saskatchewan and decided he wanted to hear what the premier had to say. Arizona Diamondbacks Gear . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers. https://www.cheapdiamondbacksjerseys.us/ . -- The Magic have their first victory of the new year. Wholesale Diamondbacks Jerseys . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. Diamondbacks Jerseys 2019 .Y. -- Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Wednesday that J.St Helens head coach Keiron Cunningham insists Leeds Rhinos poor start to the season does not mean they will be easy to beat in Fridays Super League clash at Headingley, live on Sky Sports. The defending champions have lost four of their five league matches so far this year and also suffered a heavy defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys in the World Club Challenge.They looked to have turned a corner when narrowly beating Huddersfield Giants 20-16 a fortnight ago, but they were then swept aside 28-6 by Wigan Warriors last weekend. St Helens, on the other hand, are fourth in the table with four wins from five, including a 44-4 demolition of Wakefield Wildcats in their last outing.But Cunningham said: I dont think theres ever a good time to go to Headingley. Huddersfield went there a couple of weeks ago and nearly got the game, but Leeds are Leeds and they fight to the end and they end up picking up the two points.Leeds have gone to Wigan and they have been outstanding for 60 minutes or whatever it was, and then Wigan have got some tries towards the end of the game.We know what Leeds have got to offer and we know the challenges ahead of us as a team. Wigans John Bateman scores in the 28-6 win over Leeds last weekend We know what Leeds are going to do. They have not changed the way they play for a couple of years now, so Leeds are going to play that expansive type of game, and at the end of that you have got a Ryan Hall or a Kallum WWatkins or somebody running around the ball who is going to put someone through space - [Adam] Cuthbertson and all those middles offloading.ddddddddddddWe know what Leeds do; its about us and how we deal with that.Leeds will be boosted on Friday by the return of skipper Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Carl Ablett and Brett Delaney.McGuire has been sidelined since the opening game of the season, while Moon and Delaney missed last weeks loss at Wigan with hamstring injuries. Ablett suffered an ankle injury in the defeat at Widnes in February. St Helens swept aside Wakefield Wildcats in their last outing However, second row Jimmy Keinhorst misses the game with a calf strain picked up against Wigan and Leeds are still without Tom Briscoe, Ashton Golding and Stevie Ward.For St Helens, Jack Owens returns for injured winger Adam Swift, while Travis Burns and Andre Savelio are also included.Leeds: Carl Ablett, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney, Beau Falloon, Brett Ferres, Keith Galloway, Mitch Garbutt, Ryan Hall, Ash Handley, Zak Hardaker, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Anthony Mullally, Brad Singleton, Liam Sutcliffe, Josh Walters, Kallum Watkins.St Helens: Kyle Amor, Travis Burns, Matty Dawson, Joe Greenwood, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Shannon McDonnell, Tommy Makinson, Jack Owens, Dominique Peyroux, Greg Richards, James Roby, Andre Savelio, Lama Tasi, Luke Thompson, Jordan Turner, Atelea Vea, Alex Walmsley, Luke Walsh, Jon Wilkin. ' ' '