Vice President Mike Pence has sparked outrage after he attended the Colts vs. 49ers game this Sunday with what seemed to be a planned exit after players knelt during the National Anthem. Pence tweeted about his excitement to see Peyton Manning's jersey retirement ceremony but is now being criticized for taking the spotlight. It has been pointed out that his exit was not only attention-seeking but also costly for US taxpayers. The secret service detail required for such a short outing is seemingly a waste of both time and money.

Speaking out

Eric Reid of the 49ers, who began kneeling during the anthem over a year ago with teammate Colin Kaepernick, spoke up about Pence's motives.

"Does anybody know the last time he’s been to a football game?" he told Jennifer Lee Chan of Niners Nation when asked what his initial reaction was.

Reid also pointed out that the photo Pence tweeted before the game was from three years ago -- which seems to be the last time he attended one. To Reid, it's clear that this was a PR stunt. He claims that the 49ers have the most players to kneel each game, which Pence "knew."

In the interview, Reid called the Vice President's actions "disheartening." He says that their protest is clearly not about the flag, the military, or the national anthem.

In fact, his mother, as well as three uncles all, served in the armed forces. he continued to say that Pence's stunt is a prime example of systemic oppression in the United States.

Presidential Twitter rant

In typical Trump/Pence fashion, the Vice President took to Twitter to rant about how right his actions were. His tweets show clearly that he is not understanding what message the NFL players are trying to get across.

"I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem."

While Twitter users attacked Pence for his ignorance, President Donald Trump hopped on the social media app to support his Vice President. "I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country," he tweeted.

"I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen."

Attention seeker

According to NBC News, the reporters at the event for Pence were told to remain in their vans as he could possibly leave early. As Eric Reid made clear, the 49ers have had the most players kneel during the anthem. It seems that Pence was more interested in headlines than a football game.
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