Colts React to National Anthem Protests and Donald Trump’s Comments
By Andrew Ites
This weekend was filled with fantastic football games, but the main storyline was the NFL’s reaction to President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the league’s national anthem protesters.
Donald Trump was speaking at a rally in Alabama last week when he suggested that NFL owners should “fire” players who refused to stand during the anthem, and that each of the protesters were a “son of a b—h”.
NFL teams, owners, and players had varied reactions to the President’s comments during the games this weekend. Several Indianapolis Colts players knelt and locked arms for the national anthem before their game against the Browns on Sunday.
Among those kneeling were Rashaan Melvin, Jabaal Sheard, Darius Butler, Malik Hooker, Kamar Aiken, and Tarrell Basham.
Colts owner Jim Irsay also released a statement condemning the President’s remarks.
Some Indianapolis fans took issue to the protests of the national anthem, and even went so far as to burn their Colts gear and vow to no longer be a fan of the team.
"“No more Colts. I’m done,” said former Colts fan Shannon Turner as he set his fan apparel aflame. “For everybody who didn’t stand, this is for you. All you guys who did stand, America appreciates it. Bye Colts, I’m done with you, hope a lot more people banned your a–.”"
Indiana voted for Trump in the 2016 election as 56.82% of the voters elected Donald Trump, while only 37.91% of the turnout voted for Hilary Clinton.
President Trump has not backed down on his stance regarding the national anthem protests, and suggested that the NFL institute a rule that makes each player stand for the national anthem.
This issue is far from being over. Many NFL fans are already sick of hearing about this topic, but it has become one of the nation’s biggest news stories, and it won’t be going away any time soon.