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 Wholesale Baseball Gear . By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team Friday. Cheap Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys China . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. http://www.cheapbaseballchina.com/ . But Bourque, who has missed three games with a lower-body injury, wont be in the lineup when the Habs travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres on Wednesday. Wholesale MLB Jerseys Free Shipping . 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Despite that the trio are receptive to the idea of playing for England.St George Illawarra star Widdop said on Wednesday he didnt have an issue with them playing for England in the Four Nations tournament at the end of the year and the next World Cup.I heard about it yesterday and had a bit of a laugh about it, what ever happens happens, he said.It is up to them to make a decision and what ever decision they do make we as a team will go with that.Widdop and the NRLs other Englishh players caught up with Bennett earlier this year when he was announced as the new coach.ddddddddddddIt was a great opportunity, he said.It was a great chance to catch up with all the England boys and meet Wayne and chat with him about what to expect at the end of the year (in the Four Nations).Former Leeds star Zak Hardaker arrived in Sydney to join Penrith on Tuesday as the latest Englishman to ply his trade in the NRL.It is great to see Zak out here, Widdop said.He has been tremendous over there in England. He has won all the awards, he is a good player and he wanted to come out and test himself and now has the perfect opportunity to do that.It is good to see another Englishman out here. ' ' '