Baltimore Ravens, Jaguars: NFL Players Rebuke Trump, Kneel During National Anthem

Dozens of NFL players and staff took a knee during the national anthem Sunday at the first game after President Donald Trump criticized the practice at a rally in Alabama. The game was between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens in London.

Trump Friday called out NFL players who kneel in protest during the national anthem while campaigning for Republican Sen. Luther Strange of Alabama.

“Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say ‘get that son of a b ---- off the field right now? He's fired,’” said Trump at the rally.

The comments received widespread condemnation from the NFL, including a public statement from its commissioner, Roger Goodell. One NFL owner, the Baltimore Ravens' Steve Bisciotti, told the AP he “100 percent” supports his players’ decision to kneel during the national anthem ahead of Sunday’s game at Wembley.

“Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities,” said Goodell in a statement.

The NFL player’s association also released a statement denouncing Trump.

“No man or woman should ever have to choose a job that forces them to surrender their rights. No worker nor any athlete, professional or not, should be forced to become less than human when it comes to protecting their basic health and safety,” said the statement.

Trump, however reacted to the statements criticizing him by doubling down. The president took to Twitter to respond directly to Goodell and attack the NFL.

“Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.Tell them to stand!” wrote the president Saturday.

Trump also suggested that people boycott the NFL if players don’t stand during the national anthem.

“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!” said Trump on Twitter Sunday. “NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.”

The controversy over players protesting became a national conversation last year when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down during the national anthem in protest.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” said Kaepernick about his actions.

Kaepernick is currently a free agent.

Trump also angered many NBA players and fans over the weekend when he rescinded an offer for championship winning Golden State Warrior guard Steph Curry to visit the White House in reaction to Curry saying he would not attend.