Four more NFL executives released statements supporting their player after President Trump criticized NFL players who kneel during the national anthem.
Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement that he has spoken with the team’s players about the “great respect they have for the national anthem and all it represents.”
“We at the Philadelphia Eagles firmly believe that in this difficult time of division and conflict, it is more important than ever for football to be a great unifier,” Lurie said.
{mosads}Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula went after Trump more directly.
“President Trump’s remarks were divisive and disrespectful to the entire NFL community but we tried to use them as an opportunity to further unify our team and our organization,” the Pegulas said in a statement.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Isray said he was “troubled” by Trump’s comments, noting the extensive amount of community service NFL players have done.
“That’s the spirit in which this nation was founded, and we all need to work tirelessly to bring people together to take on the challenges that face us and give back to the people of our communities.”
“More so than any result on the field that is a common goal worth rooting for.”
And Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin said the team fully supports their 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,” McLoughlin said in a statement.
NFL executive and players are speaking out after Trump said that Americans should walk out of football games if they see a player kneeling during the national anthem. He also said NFL owners should fire any player that participates in the protest.