#TakeTheKnee: Internet Explodes After Trump Calls on NFL to Fire Players He Says Are ‘Disrespecting Our Flag’
‘I Like When People Who Told Me to Respect the Confederate Flag Last Month Scream About Respecting the US Flag This Month’
Social media exploded Sunday after President Donald Trump called on the NFL to fire players he charges are “disrespecting” America and the American flag. The president Friday launched a hostile campaign against what many see as free speech and the right to protest, calling NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick a “son of a b*tch” for his silent protests. Kaepernick, now a free agent, has refused to stand for the National Anthem to draw attention to racism, racial inequality, oppression of people of color, and police killing Black people.Â
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
…NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Trump at a campaign rally Friday, then over the weekend has called on NFL owners to fire players who refuse to stand for the National Anthem.Â
The President, in a shocking moment, also rescinded a White House invitation that was not even formally yet made, to the NBA’s Stephen Curry, who had said he would refuse to attend a traditional celebration in the Oval Office.
Many have noted that Trump and his administration have repeatedly attacked people of color over the past week, starting with ESPN’s Jemele Hill, who called the president a “white supremacist,” then Kaepernick, then Curry. The vast majority of NFL players are also Black.Â
Over ten players on the @Patriots took a knee during the national anthem. âœŠï¸ #TakeTheKnee. pic.twitter.com/9SxkUo67FT
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 24, 2017
Trump is trying to force people to take sides, and the lines he’s drawn are country and flag vs. oppression of Black people. He’s dead wrong, and Americans see right through him.
On Twitter, many are angry and furious with President Trump, while others are mocking him and noting the transparency of his racism.
I like when people who told me to respect the Confederate Flag last month scream about respecting the US Flag this month. #TakeTheKnee
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) September 24, 2017
Kneeling isn’t about “I hate this country.†It’s about “I love this country enough to know it can be and do better.†#TakeTheKnee
— RuPaul Ryan (@byproxxy) September 24, 2017
Our country is great because we give Americans the freedom to stick it to the man. #TakeTheKnee https://t.co/UwWNVkvwlx
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) September 24, 2017
If the ratings down, Trump will use it. In solidarity with #TakeTheKnee and the NFL, let’s watch as much football as humanly possible. ðŸˆ
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) September 24, 2017
What President Trump forgot was his oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. All of us #TakeTheKnee now.
— Susan Gold (@24karatsue) September 24, 2017
This Administration views NFL players as nothing more than bodies there for their amusement.
— Anthony M. Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) September 24, 2017
The president is sworn to defend every citizen’s Constitutional rights, but he apparently doesn’t think that applies to blacks. #TakeTheKnee
— Dr. DaShanne Stokes (@DaShanneStokes) September 24, 2017
If you’re a white NFL player, it is absolutely crucial you make a statement today. This is a test of character. Embrace it. #TakeTheKnee
— Charles ClymerðŸ³ï¸â€ðŸŒˆ (@cmclymer) September 24, 2017
The NFL is the biggest stage in America. Claim it on behalf of those Americans denied justice. #TakeTheKnee
— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) September 24, 2017
Let it sink in that the same man who called a POW “not a war hero” is telling you that standing for the 🇺🇸 respects veterans. #TakeTheKnee
— Jordan Atkin (@JordanAkron) September 24, 2017
RELATED STORIES:
Trump Again Attacks NFL Players Protesting Racism, Oppression: ‘Tell Them to Stand!’
‘Stick to Politics’: NBA, NFL Stars Take on ‘Bum’ Trump Following Kaepernick, Curry Attacks
NFL Commissioner, Players Association Responds to Trump’s ‘Divisive’ Attack on Kaepernick
Trump Lashes Out at NBA’s Stephen Curry – Invitation to White House ‘Is Withdrawn!’
Trump on Colin Kaepernick: NFL Owners Should Say ‘Get That Son of a B*tch Off the Field’
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Image via Michael Skolnik/Twitter
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