Houston Texans owner: Trump’s comments ‘divisive and counterproductive’

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair on Sunday fired back at President Trump for his “divisive and counterproductive” remarks that NFL players who refuse to stand for the national anthem should be fired or suspended. 

“The NFL specifically, and football in general, has always unified our communities and families. The comments made by the President were divisive and counterproductive to what our country needs right now,” McNair wrote in a statement.

Statement from @HoustonTexans Founder, Chairman and CEO Robert C. McNair: pic.twitter.com/sF78Sc4hdg

— Texans PR (@TexansPR) September 24, 2017

McNair stressed the need for unity after Hurricane Harvey ripped across Houston and southeastern Texas, leaving thousands displaced from their homes. 

{mosads}”Texans players are caring, intelligent men who do so much good, as was shown in the past month when our city was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. I have never been more proud of our players and our team than during this time. It was a display of what is truly possible when we all work together. We will continue to support our players to work together and promise the values of respect and unity,” he continued.

McNair, a Republican, donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee, the Houston Chronicle noted.

Trump on Twitter early Sunday morning condemned NFL players who kneel during the national anthem.

“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!”” he wrote in one tweet, while noting poor attendance at the NFL games in another.

Trump took aim at NFL free agent Colin Kaepernick during a rowdy campaign rally in Alabama Friday night, prompting several prominent NFL players to blast the president on Twitter for his remarks.