Over the last month, Donald Trump's feud with the National Football League (NFL) had dominated the headlines in the world of sports and politics. After yet another round of football games on Sunday, the president took time to lash out on social media.
Trump on NFL
It started last month when Donald Trump was campaigning for then Republican Senate candidate Luther Strange in Alabama. During his speech, the former host of "The Apprentice" brought attention to the protests taking place in the NFL regarding the players and the National Anthem. What started with former player Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the anthem to bring attention to police brutality and alleged racism in the country has grown into a mass demonstration across the league.
Trump referred to those who protest as a "son of a b*tch," while calling on team owners to fire them. The sports world reacted in almost universal opposition to the billionaire real estate mogul, with even NBA star LeBron James speaking out and calling Trump a "bum" on social media. Since then, the protests have continued, which saw Vice President Mike Pence walk out two weeks ago during the Indianapolis Colts-San Francisco 49ers game due to the players deciding to take a knee. It was later revealed that Pence was given instructions by Trump to leave the stadium if the players protested. As seen on his Twitter feed on October 23, Trump responded to yet another week of protests.
Two dozen NFL players continue to kneel during the National Anthem, showing total disrespect to our Flag & Country. No leadership in NFL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 23, 2017
After week seven of the NFL was in the books, Donald Trump was not pleased that two dozen players continued to kneel during the playing of the national anthem, and went off on social media as a result.
"Two dozen Nfl Players continue to kneel during the National Anthem, showing total disrespect to our Flag & Country," Trump tweeted, before adding, "No leadership in NFL!"
San Francisco 49ers players kneel during national anthem as team unveils US-shaped flag https://t.co/QGuktgRIaP pic.twitter.com/8k3tyScsnY
— The Hill (@thehill) October 22, 2017
Donald Trump's remarks come just a week after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that after meeting with players and owners, the league would encourage, but not mandate standing during the anthem.
As expected, the commander in chief was not pleased as the White House and the NFL continue to be at odds.
Moving forward
While Donald Trump continues his war of words with the NFL and its players, he has many other issues on his plate to deal with. As the future of health care and tax reform remain a mystery, so does a potential war with North Korea with Trump and leader Kim Jong-un having engaged in a heated battle of words in the media.
