The biggest story to dominate the news over the weekend has been the feud between Donald Trump and professional athletes. In response, Trump faced massive backlash, but did get support from some at Fox News.
Fox News on Trump
Donald Trump arrived in Alabama this past Friday night to support GOP candidate Luther Stranger, who is campaigning in the Republican run-off election against former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore to complete the term in the Senate left vacant by Jeff Sessions.
It was during the president's speech that the controversy began, as he hit back at the NFL and their players for protesting the national anthem by taking a knee before games. The former host of "The Apprentice" called on team owners to fire the players who take part in the protest, before labeling them as a "son of a bitch." Over the next two days, Trump has kicked his aggression into high gear, as he's used Twitter to criticize the NFL, as well as NBA star Steph Curry. After Curry announced he would not join the Golden State Warriors when they visit the White House next year, Trump dis-invited the entire team during an early Saturday morning tweetstorm.
As the story gained steam, several hosts on Fox News were quick to come to the president's defense, as seen during the September 24 edition of "Fox & Friends" on Fox News.
During the Sunday morning edition of "Fox & Friends," co-host Pete Hegset came out swinging while defending Donald Trump from recent criticism over the sports feud, while calling on players to end the protest. "It’s infected the NFL and the NBA and and now we see it happen in Major League Baseball,” Hegseth said. "Look at those 12 (NFL) teams immediately putting out a statement calling the president’s statement divisive!" he continued.
"I have to ask, what are we kneeling for at this point?" Pete Hegset wondered.
The Fox News host continued, adding, "this is the least sexist, least racist, most free, most equal, most prosperous country in the history of humankind!"
Hannity speaks
On Saturday night, fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity posted several tweets in support of Donald Trump, while calling out the NFL players who took part in the protests. "Looks like the @nflcommish wants to lecture @POTUS and fans who prefer football over political statements," Hannity tweeted.
"How many people fought, bled and died fighting for everyone's rights. They fought under the AMERICAN FLAG! Many Americans want respect for the Flag and the Anthem," Sean Hannity added in a follow-up tweet. "If NFL and players choose to continue to make political statements (their right) I predict fans who disagree will flee (their right also)" Hannity posted in yet another defense of the president.