In response to a string of Tweets by President Donald Trump, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders players, coaches, and staff knelt, locked arms in protest. Solidarity has been a theme around the NFL in Week 3. The offensive line for the Raiders sat on the bench with arms locked.
United.
Many players from the Redskins took a knee or locked arms during tonight’s national anthem.
From Raiders sideline during anthem: Most players sitting, Carr (eyes closed, praying), Tavecchio (standing, lone hand over heart). #RJnow
Trump’s Recent Comments
Sports fans should never condone players that do not stand proud for their National Anthem or their Country. NFL should change policy!
Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!
Courageous Patriots have fought and died for our great American Flag — we MUST honor and respect it! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Trump Retweet
In the wake of the comments, players in the late games protested in unity with the rest of the league. Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans don’t participate in the National Anthem as they remained in locker rooms. Other teams locked arms in their games.
4 p.m. ET Games
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady shared these posts on Instagram this morning.
No players on the field during the anthem for Titans vs. Seahawks
Surreal scene here in Nashville as entire #Seahawks, Titans teams including coaches, staff, all players skip national anthem
Several Packers sit behind the team on benches while Ty Montgomery kneels during the anthem.
The league-wide protest continues.
Trump’s Attack on Football
President Trump Friday attacked pro football players who don’t stand during the national anthem – and urged team owners to remove those silent protesters from the field at a campaign rally in Huntsville on Friday, according to the NY Post.
He continued, saying that he wishes NFL suits would take a harder stance against players who take a knee during the national anthem.
Trump wishes NFL owners would tell anthem protesters “get that son of a bitch off the field right now”
Trump said, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners when someone disrespects our flag to say, `Get that son of a bitch off the field right now! Out. He’s fired! He’s fired!”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Trump’s attacks show ‘lack of respect for the NFL’ t.co/R987XJsvm4
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on the NFL: “Players have the right for free speech off the field” #CNNSOTU t.co/2TS3liSXiw
Pittsburgh Penguins, Stanley Cup Winners Invited to White House
Please to inform that the Champion Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL will be joining me at the White House for Ceremony. Great team!
…NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
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Oakland Raiders Offensive Line Sits; Washington Redskins Kneel, Link Arms During National Anthem