Trump’s remarks spark broader NFL protests

Players from all 28 NFL teams that played Sunday participated in some sort of protest after President Donald Trump derided athletes who kneel during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” before games. Trump brought up the issue during a speech Friday in Alabama, saying he wished NFL owners would fire the “sons of [obscenity].” He called for a boycott of NFL teams whose players did not stand for the national anthem. During games Sunday, some players kneeled, others locked arms in solidarity, and several teams refused to exit their locker rooms for pregame ceremonies. The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to remain in the stadium tunnel prior to their game in Chicago Sunday, with one exception: offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva. The former Army Ranger who served three tours in Afghanistan stepped out onto the field in front of his teammates to take part in the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in August 2016, and other players around the league soon joined him in silent protest against racial inequality in the United States. “The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race,” Trump tweeted Monday morning. “It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!” Trump also rescinded a White House invitation for pro basketball player Stephen Curry, a star on the NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Some of Trump’s biggest supporters in the NFL disagree with his stance. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a personal friend of the president’s, released a statement saying he was “deeply disappointed” by the tone of Trump’s comments, and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said in a Monday morning radio appearance he disagreed with what the president said. Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan, who donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration committee, linked arms with his players Sunday prior to their game against Baltimore in London.