Miss America 2019: Emili McPhail (Virginia) won the prelims with a no-holds-barred response on NFL protests
Miss Virginia Emili McPhail, during preliminary rounds, was asked about the ongoing protests - an issue sparked by players kneeling down while the national anthem is played.
While NFL fans and half of the nation - including President Trump - are all riled up about the latest controversy surrounding the national anthem protest, a certain Miss America contestant is focussing her attention, right where it should be - on the topic of police brutality.
During Thursday's preliminary rounds, Miss Virginia Emili McPhail was asked about her opinion and advises on the ongoing NFL protests - an issue sparked by players kneeling down while the national anthem is played, in an attempt to raise awareness towards racial injustice. And surprisingly enough, McPhail didn't hold back as she answered the question, offering her honest take and even scoring a spot in the 2019 pageant with her preliminary-round win.