Chicago Bears chairman: ‘Divisive’ feud with Trump ‘unified our franchise’

The chairman of the Chicago Bears said Sunday that the “divisive political situation” fueled by President Trump’s criticism of the NFL and players who kneel during the national anthem has united the football franchise.

“Through our important dialogue with our players and team, this divisive political situation has unified our franchise for the present and the future,” Chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. 

{mosads}McCaskey’s comments follow Trump’s suggestion that NFL owners fire players who kneel during the national anthem in protest against racial injustice.

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b—- off the field right now,'” Trump told the crowd at an Alabama rally on Friday. “‘He is fired.'” 

Trump has since been the target of an onslaught of criticism from athletes.

“The Chicago Bears are proud to support our players, coaches and all members of our organization to bring peace and unity together through football,” McCaskey said in the statement on Sunday.

“What makes this the greatest country in the world are the liberties it was founded upon and the freedom to express oneself in a respectful and peaceful manner.”