NFL continues rebuke of Trump remarks in late Sunday games

Sep 25, 2017 - 3:06 AM Displays of solidarity continued late Sunday against remarks made by President Donald Trump after players, coaches and even some owners in the NFL's 10 early games made statements in some manner.

The show of unity continued as late games began featuring Seattle-Tennessee, Cincinnati-Green Bay and Kansas City at the Los Angeles Chargers.

Trump ignited the issue with remarks that began Friday and included, "If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our great American flag (or country) and should stand for the national anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!"

While most teams varied between players kneeling or locking arms, the Seahawks and Titans opted not to be on the field during the anthem, a concept the Pittsburgh Steelers used earlier in the day.

After the anthem prior to the Sunday night game where the Washington Redskins hosted the Oakland Raiders, the Redskins hadn't issued a statement. They did shortly after the anthem.



Here is a look at remarks and reaction from the late games:



--Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium.

Neither the Seahawks nor Titans were on the field for the national anthem before Sunday's game as they spent that time in their respective locker rooms in response to Trump's remarks.

While Meghan Linsey sang the Anthem, both teams remained in the locker room.

"We will not stand for the injustice that has plagued people of this color in this country," Seattle players said in a statement that was released on social media prior to kickoff. "Out of love for our country and in honor of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms."

Several Seahawks responded angrily after Trump's comments Friday in Huntsville, Ala., regarding players who reflect some personal opinion during pregame anthems.

In a statement released by the team prior to kickoff, the Titans said that "absence of our team for the national anthem shouldn't be misconstrued as unpatriotic."

Shortly after the anthem, Tennessee and Seattle players walked out to the field, arms locked.

Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin statement Saturday:

"We fully support our players' use of their freedom of speech and peaceful action to highlight the existing racial and other divides in our country. Our players completely respect the military and veterans of our country; however, they believe these issues need to come to the forefront."

Saturday statement from Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk:

"I am proud to stand with our players and support them in their work on and off the football field. I completely agree with Commissioner Goodell that we are better off as a nation when we are unified and pulling together. I have seen that kind of attitude first-hand in Tennessee and across our country in the many benevolent and public-spirited efforts of our NFL players, often without any public recognition. Our players make public contributions day-in and day-out and when I hear anyone making disparaging remarks about them, I know it has to be the result of not knowing what they bring to our communities or what they have accomplished."



--Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field.

Packers tight ends Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks and cornerback Kevin King sat on the bench for the national anthem.

The rest of the players from both teams stood on their respective sidelines, arms interlocked, in protest of comments made by President Trump.

Statement issued Saturday from Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy:

"It's unfortunate that the President decided to use his immense platform to make divisive and offensive statements about our players and the NFL. We strongly believe that players are leaders in our communities and positive influences. They have achieved their positions through tremendous work and dedication and should be celebrated for their success and positive impact. We believe it is important to support any of our players who choose to peacefully express themselves with the hope of change for good. As Americans, we are fortunate to be able to speak openly and freely."

After Sunday's anthem, the Bengals issued a brief statement:

"Football and politics don't mix easily. Fans come to NFL games to watch great competition on the playing field and that's where our focus should be."



--Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers, StubHub Center.

Chargers players locked arms during the playing of the anthem. Running back Melvin Ingram kneeled by himself, with a Chargers staff member's hand on his shoulder.

Numerous Chiefs players sat on the bench, with only about 11 standing along the western sideline. Quarterbacks Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes stood behind the bench, where linebacker Justin Houston, running back Kareem Hunt and wide receiver Tyreek Hill were sitting.

Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt issued this statement:

"We are blessed in the National Football League to work with an outstanding group of players who, through their thoughtfulness and generosity, are deeply engaged in their communities. I believe in honoring the American flag and supporting all of those whose sacrifices protect the many freedoms we have in this country, including the right to have differences of opinion. Sports have long been a unifying force - especially in challenging times - and hatred and division have no place in our game. As a nation, we face serious challenges, and I believe as Americans, each of us has a responsibility to engage one another with empathy and humility to gain a better understanding of ways we can work together to solve these difficult issues."

Chargers owner Dean Spanos issued this on Saturday:

"I wholeheartedly agree with the commissioner's statement. The NFL and its players, more than anything, have been a force for good. What our country needs right now is a message of unity, civility and mutual respect."



--Oakland Raiders at Washington Redskins, FedEx Field (Sunday night football).

Most of the Raiders players remained seated during the anthem. Boos were heard from the FedExField crowd as the Raiders sat with their arms linked. Across the field, the majority of the Redskins, joined by owner Daniel Snyder, stood with their arms linked. About a half-dozen, including tight end Jordan Reed, kneeled.

NBC reported that the Raiders wanted to stay in the locker room during the anthem, but because the timing is different in prime-time games -- the anthem came after the coin toss -- they would have forfeited being available for the toss and potentially incurred a 15-yard penalty.

Following the anthem, the Washington Redskins issued the following statement:

"Football has always served as the great unifier, bringing people together to celebrate the values of courage, commitment and achievement. We are proud of the players, coaches and fans of the Washington Redskins for all that they have done to improve the lives of others in neighborhoods all across our region.

"We are also grateful for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our armed forces that have provided us the freedom to play football. In that great tradition, the Washington Redskins will work to address divisions and bring unity, civility and respect to our greater community."

There had been no earlier comment from the Redskins, but full disclosure may be revealing.

Snyder was one of Trump's inaugural donors, although federal campaign records show he originally donated to Jeb Bush's primary effort. However, his wife, Tanya Snyder, donated $534.86 to Trump's campaign.

Snyder was also one of 500 people to attend one of the glitziest pre-inaugural dinners in January. Trump also told the New York Times in October 2015 that he didn't think the football team should change its controversial name, which Snyder has fought to keep.

Meanwhile, Raiders owner Mark Davis told ESPN's Paul Gutierrez on Sunday, "About a year ago, before our Tennessee game, I met with Derek Carr and Khalil Mack to ask their permission to have Tommie Smith light the torch for my father before the game in Mexico City. I explained to them that I was asking their permission because I had previously told them that I would prefer that they not protest while in the Raiders uniform. And should they have something to say, once their uniform was off, I might go up there with them.

"Over the last year, though, the streets have gotten hot and there has been a lot of static in the air and recently, fuel has been added to the fire. I can no longer ask our team to not say something while they are in a Raider uniform. The only thing I can ask them to do is do it with class. Do it with pride. Not only do we have to tell people there is something wrong, we have to come up with answers. That's the challenge in front of us as Americans and human beings."