Calls NFL players who kneel during anthem 'sons of bitches' who should be fired at Alabama rally

At a rally in Huntsville, Alabama for Sen. Luther Strange, Trump said 'Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired!' The vulgar attack targeted players protesting police brutality and racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. Trump also encouraged fans to leave stadiums if they see players kneeling. He criticized new NFL safety rules designed to prevent concussions, saying they were ruining the game. The comments sparked massive backlash - over 200 players knelt or sat during anthems the following weekend. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Trump's comments 'divisive' with 'an unfortunate lack of respect.'

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired!'" — Campaign rally in Huntsville, Alabama, September 22, 2017