Last week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued an apology for not previously addressing players’ concerns regarding racism in the US. Goodell’s statement encouraged peaceful protests. President Trump has now entered the conversation.
President Trump has a history of being critical of players who protest during the national anthem, previously calling them derogatory names. In response to Goodell’s statement, Trump took to Twitter over the weekend to share his opinion.
Trump’s tweet questioned whether Goodell’s message could be interpreted as giving players permission to kneel or not stand during the national anthem, which he believes disrespects the country and its flag.
In 2016, during the Colin Kaepernick protest, the NFL did not support the player’s activism, leading Kaepernick to remain unsigned since then. However, in light of pressure from influential black players like Patrick Mahomes, the NFL recently reversed its stance on player protests.
Goodell’s statement affirmed the NFL’s stand against racism and oppression of black people. Notably, he did not mention Kaepernick by name or directly address the controversy surrounding kneeling during the anthem. A significant portion of the NFL’s audience leans conservative, and both the League and the President are aware that many view protesting during the anthem as disrespectful.
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