Sahil Habibi
President Trump, during a rally for Senator Luther Strange in Alabama, stated that he wishes that NFL owners would go up to those who protest the anthem and say: “Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, he’s fired. He’s fired!”
This set off a massive storm among NFL players, with many responding on social media to attack the President and defend their teammates who decide to take a knee in protest.
It's really sad man … our president is a asshole
— Lesean McCoy (@CutonDime25) September 23, 2017
Trump made this statement on Friday. On Sunday, which had fourteen NFL games, over one hundred players decided to take a knee during the national anthem. The full Dallas Cowboys team took a knee prior to the national anthem during Monday Night Football.
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
The Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks decided to completely stay in the locker room, and skip the national anthem in its entirety.
The Oakland Raiders were supposed to stay in the locker room, but because it was going to result in a penalty, they decided against it.
Many players on the Browns, Patriots, Saints, and many other teams decided to either sit down or take a knee during the national anthem to show solidarity with their teammates who were called “sons of b*tches” for taking a knee during the national anthem.
Analysis
All in all, Trump caused a firestorm of players who decided to take a knee, who otherwise would not have taken a knee. Ultimately, Trump’s comments backfired massively, causing the NFL players to show unity and solidarity with each other.
