Tom Brady Slams Trump’s NFL Remarks As ‘Divisive’

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady called President Donald Trump’s remarks slamming NFL players who kneel during the national anthem "divisive."

“Yeah, I certainly disagree with what [Trump] said. I thought it was just divisive,” said Brady on Boston sports radio station WEEI Monday. “Like I said, I just want to support my teammates. I am never one to say, ‘Oh, that is wrong. That is right.’ I do believe in what I believe in. I believe in bringing people together and respect and love and trust. Those are the values that my parents instilled in me.”

Players across the NFL kneeled in protest during the national anthem Sunday following a weekend of Trump tweeting repeatedly and railing against the exercise. Trump called for players to stand during the national anthem and said that players who do not, should be fired. Trump also suggest fans boycott the NFL, his tweets carried into Monday morning.

Trump’s prolonged argument against kneeling during the national anthem began Friday at a rally in Alabama where the president was stumping for Republican Sen. Luther Strange.

“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.

Trump’s comments saw widespread criticism across the NFL, from players, coaches and even owners, some of whom donated to Trump.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement condemning the president.

“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.

Before the Patriots’ game over a dozen players kneeled during the national anthem, Brady did not, but locked arms with his teammates in a show of solidarity. Trump in the past has called Brady a “friend” and the “best quarterback.”

Trump is also close to the team’s owner, Robert Kraft, who gifted the president a Super Bowl ring and donated $1 million to the president’s inaugural celebration. Kraft, however, also rebuked Trump’s comments.

“I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday,” said Kraft in a statement. “I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities. Their efforts, both on and off the field, help bring people together and make our community stronger. There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics. I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons of teamwork and the importance of working together toward a common goal.”​