COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — On Saturday, Sept. 23, President Donald Trump tweeted the first message of a multiday tweetstorm about the NFL, kneeling during the national anthem and his views on respect for the country.
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
…our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
Before their game Sunday morning, members of the Baltimore Ravens reacted to the president’s comments by kneeling during the anthem.
Ravens and Jaguars players kneeling during National Anthem in England pic.twitter.com/GhthyfIEe3
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) September 24, 2017
Less than an hour later, the Ravens released a statement.
Statement from Owner Steve Bisciotti. pic.twitter.com/bdKWJ4UpCy
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 24, 2017
The president tweeted again following the game.
Sports fans should never condone players that do not stand proud for their National Anthem or their Country. NFL should change policy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Benjamin Watson, a tight end for the Ravens, was not shy about sharing his opinion.
It is a sad day when the #POTUS seeks to disregard and punish American citizens for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights. https://t.co/QPvrKDS29D
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) September 23, 2017
Players from other leagues, including members of the NBA’s Washington Wizards, added their reactions.
.@Adam_Zielonka was on @WashWizards media day yesterday. His report on what they had to say about Trump here: https://t.co/e0XzCWS3DE
— PovichCenterforSport (@PovichCenter) September 26, 2017
Some politicians, including Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, also chimed in with their thoughts.
Democracy. Freedom of speech. Freedom of expression. The power of “We the People” wanting to encourage a more perfect union. #Baltimore https://t.co/bIUFsrVTZZ
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) September 24, 2017
The young people kneeling today are following a long tradition. #TakeAKnee #goodtrouble pic.twitter.com/kxZDMfrGF5
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) September 25, 2017
Baltimore-based company Under Armour released a statement as well.
.@UnderArmour stands for the flag and by our Athletes for free speech, expression and a unified America.
— Under Armour News (@UAnews) September 23, 2017
University of Maryland President Wallace Loh contributed to the conversation through a tweet.
Proud to be in B1G conference where student-athletes are citizens 1st with right to symbolic & peaceful expression https://t.co/pP6AdT41uA
— Wallace D. Loh (@presidentloh) September 26, 2017
On social media, the hashtags #TakeAKnee and #StandForOurAnthem started trending and social media users in Maryland appeared to be divided on the issue.
This is not against America or our troops. This is against the violence and brutality that POC face EVERY DAY just b/c of skin. #TakeAKnee
— Milta ????? (@Titou4004) September 23, 2017
I think we have a generation that hasn’t learned how to respect our freedom here and therefore they crap on the flag #StandForOurAnthem
— Ginger (@missamerica2017) September 26, 2017
If you are more bothered by Kaepernick’s peaceful protest than the injustices he’s protesting, you are part of the problem #TakeAKnee
— Mike♛Karpouzie (@mikepouzie) September 23, 2017
Please explain how you, #Kaepernick, & the other players in the #NFL that #TakeAKnee are oppressed? https://t.co/L2NJBm7ZME
— Schree (@SchreezLife) September 23, 2017
Ridiculous that people think it’s more important to #StandForOurAnthem than to take a stand for targeting of POC by police. #TakeAKnee
— stacey_guy (@stacey_guy) September 25, 2017
With comments from the president coming as recently as Tuesday morning, social media is likely to remain abuzz with reaction on the subject.
The NFL has all sorts of rules and regulations. The only way out for them is to set a rule that you can’t kneel during our National Anthem!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017