Donald Trump says NFL disrespected the US by not forcing players to kneel during the national anthem
The president had criticised players who kneel or sit during the anthem to protest police brutality against black Americans and other social injustices.
United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused the National Football League again for “total disrespect for our great country”, as it decided not to force players to stand for the national anthem.
On Tuesday, NFL team owners had met with several players, after which NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the league had made the decision, Politico reported.
Trump has recently been at odds with athletes in two of the US’ most popular sport leagues. It began with a Twitter tirade last month, in which he said the National Football League should fire players who protest during the national anthem. He also withdrew a White House invitation to basketball champions Golden State Warriors because of their star player Stephen Curry’s public opposition to him.
The president even used an expletive to describe players who kneel or sit during the anthem, to protest police brutality against black Americans and other forms of social injustice. Trump was referring to a controversial string of protests over racism started last year by NFL player Colin Kaepernick.