Donald Trump just pointed out what many NFL players and other athletes don’t seem to realize: the national anthem has “nothing to do with race.”
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Trump says his objection to NFL players taking the knee during anthem "has nothing to do with race" https://t.co/gy1122eoIH pic.twitter.com/8NlHuzGRn8
— TIME (@TIME) September 25, 2017
The national anthem protests, started by Colin Kaepernick over a year ago, made a resurgence around the NFL on Sunday. Nearly 200 players from around the league sat or knelt during the national anthem on Sunday. On Monday morning, President Trump felt the need to remind them that this is not an issue about race, but respect for our country.
Many people booed the players who kneeled yesterday (which was a small percentage of total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
“Many people booed the players who kneeled yesterday (which was a smaller percentage than total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag!,” the president tweeted.
The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
“The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!”
During this weekend’s controversy, several NASCAR owners announced that they would not tolerate any disrespect for the flag. Trump applauded them for their stance on Monday before tweeted about the NFL.
So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans. They won’t put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag – they said it loud and clear!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
“So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans,” he said. “They won’t put up with the disrespecting of our Country or our Flag – they said it loud and clear!”