President Trump unloaded on the protesting NFL players who chose to demonstrate during the performance of the US national anthem Thursday night, saying all athletes should “stand proudly” during the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’
Trump slammed the NFL on social media Friday morning, saying players should “be happy, be cool” to be a part of the beloved American sport.
“The NFL players are at it again – taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their ‘outrage’ at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love……” Trump tweeted.
“Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!” he added.
The NFL players are at it again – taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their “outrage” at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
…..Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
GAME ON: Trump Launches Official Petition Against NFL Player Protests
President Trump is taking his war with NFL protesters to the next level; launching an official petition demanding professional athletes remain standing during the performance of the American national anthem.
The petition, titled “Official Stand for the National Anthem Petition” appeared on the ‘Trump Make America Great Again Committee’ website, a joint fundraising committee between the President and the Republican National Committee.
The President’s petition comes just days after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell back-tracked on earlier remarks and told reporters that the league would not ask players to stand during the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ instead saying the organization would focus on “community” affairs projects.
Trump slammed Goodell’s decision on social media, saying the commissioner’s comments showed a “total disrespect” for the men and women who fought and died for the United States.
“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!” posted the President.
FUMBLE: NFL Ratings PLUMMET Following League's War on USA
Just hours after President Trump called for a nationwide boycott against NFL players who disrespect the US national anthem, the National Football League suffered a devastating ratings drop as viewers tuned-out of their Day of Protest on Sunday.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell weighed-in on the President’s fiery comments, releasing a statement moments before kick-off over the weekend.
“The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture,” wrote Goodell. “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players.”
The President fired-back on social media, blasting the Commissioner for “trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.”
According to Forbes, the ratings are in for this weekend’s NFL games and they don’t look good.
The Redskins-Raiders television viewership was down a staggering 11% from last year’s totals. Other games also under-performed, with similar head-to-head match-ups down 16%.
The President kicked-off a national firestorm last week during a political event in Alabama, slamming protesting NFL players for “disrespecting” the flag and urging team owners and league officials to fine or fire athletes who refuse to stand for the national anthem.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b**** off the field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s fired,'” Trump told the crowd.