Jimmy Carter weighed in on the national anthem protests facing the National Football League and sided with President Donald Trump by suggesting players “find a different way” to protest, instead of kneeling.
“I think they ought to find a different way to object, to demonstrate. I would rather see all the players stand during the American anthem,” the former president shared during an interview with New York Times reporter Maureen Dowd Sunday. (RELATED: ‘Thursday Night Football’ Ratings Up Over Last Week)
The comment comes after weeks of falling ratings for the NFL after players decided to join former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and use the moment to protest racial injustice.
Last week, the league voted to not force players to stand for the national anthem, though making it clear that they “believe everyone should stand for the national anthem.”
Trump has made it clear on several occasions that he thinks players should stand and that owners should fire players who don’t stand.
The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017