American football teams across the US united to defy a Trump call that all players should stand when the national anthem is played. Trump made the statement after some black NFL players chose to kneel or lock arms in solidarity as the national anthem was playing to protest racism.
Some teams whose players chose to kneel as the national anthem played include Miami Dolphins. Cleveland Browns. Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England patriots. Other teams chose not to take to the field altogether until after the national anthem played. These include Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.
The kneeling down as the anthem played protest was started by former pro quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Players like Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s Mike Evans and Baltimore Ravens’ Terrel Suggs have since followed Kaepernick’s lead. Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rogers and Cincinnati Bengals’ Andy Dalton are among players who locked arms.
A widely circulated video shows Buffalo Bills’ running back LeSean McCoy stretching as the national anthem played. McCoy said that he could not stand in support as Trump acted like a “jerk, angry and upset” over NFL player’s peaceful protest.
Trump called for the suspension or firing of players who participated in the protests. He told NFL owners to sack any “son of a bitch” who disrespected the American flag. However, the NFL fraternity has been largely united.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry chose to skip the NBA champions celebration at the white house. Trump did not take this kindly and was quick to post, “Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore his invitation is withdrawn!”
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Trumps has been attacking institutions and seems to be only adding to the ever-growing list of enemies which includes the justice system and media.
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