How Nfl Stars And Teams Reacted To Trump's Comments That Protesting Players Should Be Fired

Thomson ReutersBacklash continued on Sunday to President Donald Trump's call for the firing of any National Football League players who kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality. The president first made the comments at a rally in Alabama, specifically singling out former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whom he dubbed a "son of a b----" for protesting. Compounded by his move to uninvite Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, who was considering skipping an upcoming White House visit, the president sparked criticism from athletes and team owners alike. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell responded on Saturday, saying Trump's comments showed an "unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL," though he did not name the president personally. Several teams took a knee during the national anthem at Sunday's games, while team owners took to the field to support their players, linking arm in arm. Still, as of Sunday afternoon, many other owners who supported Trump during the 2016 election had not publicly condemned Trump's remarks. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan, and Houston Texans owner Bob McNair all donated over $1 million to Trump, and did not immediately offer statements condemning his comments. Here's how teams, players, and owners reacted on Sunday: Cork Gaines and Bob Bryan contributed reporting.New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft: "I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday." Brad Penner/AP "I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities," he continued.