Mike Pence Walks Out On Colts Game: Twitter Reacts To VP Protest

Vice President Mike Pence left an Indianapolis Colts Game Sunday because several players of the opposing team kneeled during the national anthem.

“I left today’s Colts game because President [Donald] Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem. At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience, now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us,” said Pence in a statement. “While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem. I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.”

The game took place Lucas Oil Field in Indiana, where Pence was formerly the governor. Over a dozen players of the opposing San Francisco 49ers kneeled during the national anthem. The game was also a ceremony to retire former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning’s number and celebrate his contributions to Indiana.

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the practice of kneeling during the national anthem before NFL games as a way to protest racial inequality and police brutality in the U.S. The protest was confined to a few players until last month when Trump brought it up in a stump speech. He called for owners to fire players who kneel and used the term “son of a bitch.” The president then proceeded to tweet about the issue of an entire weekend and called for people to boycott the NFL. Many players, owners and even the NFL’s commissioner chastised Trump for his comments.

The president’s words caused widespread protests among NFL players. Players have said that the display is not meant to disparage U.S. soldiers, but rather protest inequality and police brutality.

Trump tweeted out that he had asked Pence to leave if any players kneeled.

Pence’s actions kicked up the debate again on Twitter with people on both sides weighing in.