Backlash As Trump Slams NFL Players’ Protests, NBA’s Stephen Curry

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09-24-2017, 09:36 AM
Judy

Backlash As Trump Slams NFL Players’ Protests, NBA’s Stephen Curry

Backlash As Trump Slams NFL Players’ Protests, NBA’s Stephen Curry

by Phil McCausland and Phil Helsel
Sep 24 2017, 8:50 am ET

President Donald Trump sparked a backlash from some of the biggest names in professional sports over the weekend after he attacked football players who refuse to stand during the national anthem in protest and rescinded a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry.

On Sunday, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a supporter and donor who gave the president his Super Bowl ring, released a statement criticizing Trump's comments and backing players to use their platform in order to draw attention to political issues.

"I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the president on Friday," Kraft said in a written statement. "There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics."

"Our players are intelligent, thoughtful and care deeply about our community and I support their right to peacefully affect social change and raise awareness in a manner that they feel is most impactful."

Kraft's statement came shortly after Trump doubled down on his stance, tweeting early Sunday, that 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!"

Trump on Friday criticized football players who refuse to stand during the national anthem in protest of police treatment of African-Americans. In a freewheeling speech in Alabama, the president told the crowd, "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired.'"

Trump continued on Saturday, tweeting that players who want "the privilege of making millions of dollars" in the NFL and other leagues then shouldn't be allowed "to disrespect our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem."

"If not, YOU'RE FIRED," he said. "Find something else to do!"

Meanwhile, the NBA champions Warriors team said they would not be going to the White House after Trump tweeted that "Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!"

The Warriors said "we accept that President Trump has made it clear that we are not invited."

"We believe there is nothing more American than our citizens having the right to express themselves freely on matters important to them," the NBA champions said in a statement. "We're disappointed that we did not have an opportunity during this process to share our views or have open dialogue on issues impacting our communities that we felt would be important to raise."

While it is customary for professional sports teams that have won titles to get an audience with the president, Curry, a two-time MVP, told reporters Friday that he would sit out on any potential trip.

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James directed a tweet at the president on Saturday that began with "U bum." The four-time NBA MVP said in a video posted to sports website Uninterrupted that he was frustrated "because this guy that we've put in charge has tried to divide us once again."

Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant said on Twitter that a president "whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again," referring to Trump's campaign slogan.

Curry told reporters Saturday that despite the president’s tweet singling him out, his views had not changed. "It's just kind of beneath I think a leader of a country to go that route. It's not what leaders do," Curry said.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement called Trump's comments on the NFL "divisive," and said they showed "a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities."

The owners of the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and the Miami Dolphins made similar statements, saying the country needs less divisiveness. New York Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch and Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy called Trump's comments "offensive."

NFL players refusing to stand during the National Anthem has been criticized by some people and groups. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the trend last year when he played for the San Francisco 49ers, amid a year that was marked by protests over police shootings of African-Americans.

The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association had threatened to not participate in some Cleveland Browns opening day ceremonies after some players kneeled during the anthem during a preseason game, NBC affiliate WKYC reported. Players and police ended up running out of the tunnel together in a show of unity.

On Saturday, Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell took a knee during the national anthem, marking the first time a Major League Baseball player has done so.

Music legend Stevie Wonder said he was "taking a knee for America" — actually, both knees — at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Saturday that his wife woke him up to tell him about the president's tweeted disinvitation and added that he wasn't surprised. "He was going to break up with us before we could break up with him," Kerr said.

Kerr said the values of the team, which he described as "inclusion and civil discourse and dignity" are hard to reconcile with some of the president's statements. Kerr called Trump's comments about NFL players "as bad as anything he has said to this point" and "awful."

"You're talking about young men who are peacefully protesting police brutality and racism. Racial inequality," Kerr said. "Peacefully protesting, hallmarks of our country. Come on."

Kerr said that the Warriors had planned to discuss a potential White House visit on Saturday until they saw the tweet. The team said that instead of going to the White House, it will make a trip to Washington, D.C., in February to "celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion — the values that we embrace as an organization."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that he was in favor of Warriors visiting the White House and called it "a rare opportunity for these players to share their views directly with the president. I am disappointed that that will not happen."

But Silver added: "More importantly, I am proud of our players for taking an active role in their communities and continuing to speak out on critically important issues."

Athletes have previously declined invitations to the White House when their team is being honored, a tradition that dates back to the Reagan administration.

In January, most members of the Chicago Cubs visited President Barack Obama's White House — only five players missed the trip — to celebrate their World Series win. But many chose not to return to Washington again to meet Trump in June. None of the Cubs openly said politics was the reason for their absence.

In April, six members of the New England Patriots skipped a Rose Garden celebration for their Super Bowl victory, with four of them saying Trump as president influenced their decisions. The Warriors previously visited the White House in 2016 under Obama after winning the 2015 NBA Championship Finals.

Some critics of Trump's comments, including James, referenced the deadly violence that erupted around a white nationalist and alt-right rally that drew some neo-Nazi and other groups in Charlottesville, in which a car was rammed into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing a woman. Trump was criticized for his response in which he said there was blame on "both sides" for clashes.

Kerr, the Warriors coach, was asked if Trump's response to Charlottesville played a role in the team's thinking about any White House visit.

"No, because there were very fine people on both sides," Kerr joked. He added, "I'm sorry, that's a low blow."

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...sts-he-n804136
09-24-2017, 09:51 AM
Judy

What Trump said at the rally was not politically correct. Shame on him! Oh wait, that's one of the many reasons I voted for him. I find it depressing to watch a football game wondering who is going to ruin the National Anthem this time, and spoil the whole mood of the game. I would rather the NFL stop doing the national anthem at their games than spoil the game with a really stupid type of protest against it.

I don't even know what they're protesting about. What is their grievance?! Whatever it is they should take it to their players union and work it out in the offices of the NFL, not on the field on game day insulting our country and flag. It's disgusting to me. They think taking a "knee" with a towel on their head at an event others are paying for is some sort of bravery, some type of courage, some type of sacrifice for some cause? No, it isn't. It's just being a jackass.

Oh my God, it's just been shown on the news that two US teams are kneeling during the national anthem on foreign soil while standing for that country's national anthem.

These players are spoiled idiots. Ugh!
09-24-2017, 11:30 AM
MW

Quote:

I don't even know what they're protesting about. What is their grievance?!

I guess it's about the supposed oppression of the black man. I believe it all started with the perceived singling out and killing of black criminals by white police officers. In their view the fact that those killed were criminals is of no consequence. Let's not forget, almost 70% of the NFL players are African-American.
09-24-2017, 11:43 AM
artist

BREAKING: Over a Dozen NFL Players Kneel During Anthem at Jaguars-Ravens Game — IN LO

September 24, 2017 by Jim Hoft 89 Comments

President Trump lashed out at NFL players protesting the national anthem on Friday while at a campaign rally for Senator Luther Strange (R-AL).

http://cdn.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-c...FZ-600x314.jpg
President Trump brought up the NFL players who disrespect our flag and our country by taking a knee during the National Anthem in protest.

The crowd went wild after Trump said, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of the NFL owners, when someone disrespects our flag, to say ‘get that son of b*tch off the field right now! Out! He’s fired! He’s fired!”

The crowd erupted into cheers and started chanting, “USA! USA! USA!”
On Saturday the NFL Commissioner lectured President Trump — not the jackass players kneeling during the national anthem.
Now this…

http://cdn.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-c...vens-kneel.jpg
At least a dozen NFL players kneeled during the anthem before the London game today between the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars.

They did this in London.
<strong>https://youtu.be/HSPq7_maciM

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017...-london-video/
09-24-2017, 12:57 PM
Judy

Just heard a detail on the news that the NBA has a rule whereby you have to stand during the National Anthem. GOOD!!!! But the NFL does not have that rule. BAD!!!!

NFL needs to have the same rule as NBA to stand during the National Anthem.

Pittsburgh Steelers are staying in the locker room during the National Anthem.

Fans need to stay home during the game and watch Netflix movies.

:)
09-24-2017, 01:01 PM
Judy

Do these players know how ridiculous they looked in the UK today all kneeling down locking arms with each other like a bunch of third grade sissy girls? It's disgusting!!
09-24-2017, 04:22 PM
Judy

Trump tweeted that the standing and locking arms is "GOOD!!" but the kneeling is "BAD!!".

I disagree, I think both are BAD!! It looks BAD, it looks stupid, it looks sissy and juvenile, it's bad form and just looks ugly on television.

You are MEN out there, look and act like it. Otherwise, my eyes can't tolerate the scene, my brain can't process the point, and if buried in there somewhere there is a point that someone can intelligently articulate, it needs to be articulated off the field on some day other than game day. PERIOD.

There may be a reason the players don't like the cops.

Recent NFL Arrests by Team:

Want to know when a player from your favorite team was last arrested? Suprised by who has gone the longest without an arrest? Here is a list of the most recent player arrested for each NFL team.

Days Since: Team: Player Name: Position: Crime: Description:

Browns T.Y. McGill DT Drugs Accused of marijuana possession at a hotel in Charlotte, NC.

NY Giants Michael Bowie OT Domestic Violence Bowie allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by the neck during an argument and threw her to the ground. He then allegedly broke two TVs and caused other property damage.

Raiders Sean Smith CB Assault Charged with felony assault for incident in Pasadena, Calif., on July 4. Accused of stomping on head of sister's boyfriend.

Jaguars Dante Fowler DE Battery Fowler was seen "punching" a man after a "brief verbal confrontation." He stepped on the man's glasses, Police stated the man did not claim injury in the incident.

Texans D'Onta Foreman RB Drugs, Gun University of Texas Officers responded to a report of the smell of marijuana coming from three occupied vehicles on campus just after midnight. Officers discovered marijuana in each vehicle and also discovered a firearm registered to Foreman.

[ Buffalo Bills Adolphus Washington DT Gun Accused of carrying a concealed weapon at water park in Ohio, leading to intense encounter with police.

Cowboys Damien Wilson LB Assault Arrested on two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by Frisco Police. Allegedly he backed a truck into a woman and brandished a firearm at a man.

Steelers Artie Burns CB Suspended license Pulled over in Miami Beach, accused of driving with a suspended license.

Jets Lorenzo Mauldin LB Assault Accused of attacking man at nightclub in Manhattan April 2.

Packers Letroy Guion DT DUI Pulled over in Hawaii, suspected of drunken driving.

Saints Willie Snead WR DUI Accused of drunk driving in Kenner, La., where his car had crashed and he registered a blood-alcohol content of .125.

Panthers Michael Oher OT Assault Cited for allegedly pushing and kicking an Uber driver in the early morning hours of April 14 following a dispute over the fare, according to the police report. The report states Oher had been drinking.

Redskins Junior Galette RB Disorderly Conduct He was arrested Friday night at MGM Park after getting into a fight and running away. Charged with disorderly conduct and failure to comply.

] 49ers Tramaine Brock CB Domestic violence Suspected of felony domestic violence in Santa Clara, Calif. Officers said female had visible injuries.

Seahawks Trevone Boykin QB Probation violation Suspected of violating probation with March 27 arrest. Probation stemmed from 2015 bar fight while at TCU.

Cardinals Marquis Bundy WR Disorderly Conduct Suspected of failing to obey police commands after getting agitated outside club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

] Broncos Will Parks S Domestic violence Accused of harassment and non-physical domestic violence in incident involving his former girlfriend.

Bears Deiondre Hall CB Disorderly conduct Accused of disorderly conduct, public intoxication and interference outside bar in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Chiefs Demetrius Harris TE Drugs Suspected of felony marijuana possession as passenger in car pulled over in Missouri.

Ravens Matt Elam S Drugs Pulled over in Miami Beach, accused of possessing marijuana, Oxycodone.

Colts David Parry DT DUI, resisting arrest Suspected of stealing golf cart, driving drunk, resisting arrest in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Chargers King Dunlap OT Violating court order Suspected of violating protective order in Nashville stemming from domestic incident.

Bengals Adam Jones CB Assault Accused of poking hotel security employee in the eye in Cincinnati, obstructing police.

Dolphins Leon Orr DT Drugs Pulled over for tinted windows, charged with marijuana possession near Naples, Fla. Deputies also found gun in car.

Eagles Josh Huff WR DUI, drugs, gun Pulled over and accused of drunken driving, marijuana possession and having an unloaded gun without a permit.

Vikings Isame Faciane OG DUI Charged with drunken driving after being pulled over for driving around barricades.

Buccaneers Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE DUI Pulled over for speeding and driving erratically, accused of drunken driving in Tampa.

Falcons Ra'Shede Hageman DL Domestic Violence From an incident with the mother of his child, Hageman was charged with interfering with a call for emergency help, battery family violence and cruelty to children in the third degree.

Patriots Montee Ball RB Domestic violence Accused of disorderly conduct and battery after allegedly striking his girlfriend in the face.

Titans Dorian Green-Beckham WR Outstanding warrant Pulled over for speeding in Missouri, where officer found an outstanding warrant for previous unpaid speeding ticket.

Lions Rodney Austin OG Domestic violence Accused of pushing mother of his child and damaging her phone in North Carolina on April 5. Police say they observed no signs of injury.

http://nflarrest.com/recent-arrests-by-team.html http://nflarrest.com/recent-arrests-by-team.html

09-25-2017, 10:48 PM
Jean

Interesting find Newmexican.

This whole situation is toxic for the NFL. They should keep their blatant political views off the field. Fans don't want to see this kind of behavior, they want to see a football game and not think about politics during that time. Time will tell but this can't end well for anyone. Politics is creeping into everything like a cancer. Getting so it's hard to have fun anymore anywhere.
09-26-2017, 01:43 AM
jtdc

I wonder how many of those who kneeled served in the military or any other public service. I bet none! Colin Kaepernick was the beneficiary of "white privilege"! But now he wants to play victim. And because of his actions, no team would grab him, so he is now a victim of his own stupidity.

I've seen reports that NFL popularity is down between 3 and 10% with this stunt. And, on the other side, Alejandro Villanueva, who did serve in the military, defied his coach and team and went out and stood for the National Anthem. And now it is his jersey that is a top seller.

I hope that trend continues. As pointed out by several other pundits, an actor cannot ad-lib his line in a play to exercise his "freedom of speech" without getting dumped. A White Sox Baseball player can't wear orange socks in the game. As usual, as league ratings go down, the majority of players who do not join this protest get hurt along with the guilty parties.
09-26-2017, 01:46 AM
jtdc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judy

Do these players know how ridiculous they looked in the UK today all kneeling down locking arms with each other like a bunch of third grade sissy girls? It's disgusting!!

And they did stand for the British National Anthem!
09-26-2017, 02:19 AM
Jean

Not One More Dime: NFL Stadiums Have Collected Over $1.1 Billion in Federal Subsidies

Not One More Dime: NFL Stadiums Have Collected Over $1.1 Billion in Federal Subsidies – Time to Cut Them Off

September 26, 2017
by Jim Hoft
261 Comments

Stuart Varney joined FOX and Friends on Monday to discuss the NFL national anthem controversy.

On Sunday over two hundred NFL players and staff knelt down in protest during the national anthem.

http://cdn.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-c...vens-kneel.jpg

Varney reminded the FOX and Friends hosts that NFL stadiums have collected over $1 billion in federal subsidies.

Stuart Varney: There’s $1.1 billion in direct subsidies from taxpayers to the NFL… Taxpayer subsidies go to the building of stadiums. There have been 20 new NFL stadiums since 1997. All of them have received a degree of taxpayer subsidies.

According to FOX Sports over the last 20 years, the American public has spent more than $7 billion dollars to build or renovate NFL stadiums, taking on 46 percent of the total costs of those projects.

It’s time to cut them off.

They don’t respect the country. Why should the country respect them?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iigMOgHCJoM

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017...-time-cut-off/
09-26-2017, 02:22 AM
Judy

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtdc

And they did stand for the British National Anthem!

Yes, they sure did. They defied our flag and anthem on foreign soil while respecting a foreign flag and anthem on theirs. It's totally messed up.
09-26-2017, 02:46 AM
Judy

The NFL needs a clear rule on this like the NBA. Rules that prevent these types of degrading divisive controversies protect everyone, the players from harming themselves, the league and owners from being dragged into crap they honestly have no clue about themselves, and the fans from being disappointed, hurt, insulted and annoyed.

Most Americans are never going to view the NFL or any other sports organizations that align with this knee business or even the childish locking arms act, the same. It's like once you've seen the bubble burst, you can't put it back again. Once these big tough strong talented athletes who can do such amazing things in their sport reveal their childish inner cores, it's like oh geez, you wouldn't even want to talk to 'em.

It's sad really. Colin Kaepernick started this and I really didn't know anything about him, so I thought, well, who is this guy anyway. So I looked him up. He's half white, was given up for adoption by a single white mother to a white couple. He was raised in Wisconsin and California. He's very smart, 4.0 GPA from high school, and excelled in 3 sports, was nominated for All-State in all three, and awarded MVP for football. Scholarships to college, drafted by the 49ers. If that's not the American Dream, I don't know what is.

How he could have the life he has and not be grateful for it or appreciate the country that enabled it, has no explanation, other than .... he ain't right and he's led the NFL on a Fool's Errand.
09-26-2017, 01:41 PM
jtdc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judy

How he could have the life he has and not be grateful for it or appreciate the country that enabled it, has no explanation, other than .... he ain't right and he's led the NFL on a Fool's Errand.

My guess is that unless you have been at the bottom, you don't appreciate what you have. Those who have worked their way up to success appreciate it much more that to who inherited it. Those who immigrated to this country legally, value their citizenship more than those who got here through amnesty.

	Browns	T.Y. McGill	DT	Drugs	Accused of marijuana possession at a hotel in Charlotte, NC.
	NY Giants	Michael Bowie	OT	Domestic Violence	Bowie allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by the neck during an argument and threw her to the ground. He then allegedly broke two TVs and caused other property damage.
	Raiders	Sean Smith	CB	Assault	Charged with felony assault for incident in Pasadena, Calif., on July 4. Accused of stomping on head of sister's boyfriend.
	Jaguars	Dante Fowler	DE	Battery	Fowler was seen "punching" a man after a "brief verbal confrontation." He stepped on the man's glasses, Police stated the man did not claim injury in the incident.
	Texans	D'Onta Foreman	RB	Drugs, Gun	University of Texas Officers responded to a report of the smell of marijuana coming from three occupied vehicles on campus just after midnight. Officers discovered marijuana in each vehicle and also discovered a firearm registered to Foreman.
[	Buffalo Bills	Adolphus Washington	DT	Gun	Accused of carrying a concealed weapon at water park in Ohio, leading to intense encounter with police.
	Cowboys	Damien Wilson	LB	Assault	Arrested on two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by Frisco Police. Allegedly he backed a truck into a woman and brandished a firearm at a man.
	Steelers	Artie Burns	CB	Suspended license	Pulled over in Miami Beach, accused of driving with a suspended license.
	Jets	Lorenzo Mauldin	LB	Assault	Accused of attacking man at nightclub in Manhattan April 2.
	Packers	Letroy Guion	DT	DUI	Pulled over in Hawaii, suspected of drunken driving.
	Saints	Willie Snead	WR	DUI	Accused of drunk driving in Kenner, La., where his car had crashed and he registered a blood-alcohol content of .125.
	Panthers	Michael Oher	OT	Assault	Cited for allegedly pushing and kicking an Uber driver in the early morning hours of April 14 following a dispute over the fare, according to the police report. The report states Oher had been drinking.
	Redskins	Junior Galette	RB	Disorderly Conduct	He was arrested Friday night at MGM Park after getting into a fight and running away. Charged with disorderly conduct and failure to comply.
]	49ers	Tramaine Brock	CB	Domestic violence	Suspected of felony domestic violence in Santa Clara, Calif. Officers said female had visible injuries.
	Seahawks	Trevone Boykin	QB	Probation violation	Suspected of violating probation with March 27 arrest. Probation stemmed from 2015 bar fight while at TCU.
	Cardinals	Marquis Bundy	WR	Disorderly Conduct	Suspected of failing to obey police commands after getting agitated outside club in Scottsdale, Ariz.
]	Broncos	Will Parks	S	Domestic violence	Accused of harassment and non-physical domestic violence in incident involving his former girlfriend.
	Bears	Deiondre Hall	CB	Disorderly conduct	Accused of disorderly conduct, public intoxication and interference outside bar in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
	Chiefs	Demetrius Harris	TE	Drugs	Suspected of felony marijuana possession as passenger in car pulled over in Missouri.
	Ravens	Matt Elam	S	Drugs	Pulled over in Miami Beach, accused of possessing marijuana, Oxycodone.
	Colts	David Parry	DT	DUI, resisting arrest	Suspected of stealing golf cart, driving drunk, resisting arrest in Scottsdale, Ariz.
	Chargers	King Dunlap	OT	Violating court order	Suspected of violating protective order in Nashville stemming from domestic incident.
	Bengals	Adam Jones	CB	Assault	Accused of poking hotel security employee in the eye in Cincinnati, obstructing police.
	Dolphins	Leon Orr	DT	Drugs	Pulled over for tinted windows, charged with marijuana possession near Naples, Fla. Deputies also found gun in car.
	Eagles	Josh Huff	WR	DUI, drugs, gun	Pulled over and accused of drunken driving, marijuana possession and having an unloaded gun without a permit.
	Vikings	Isame Faciane	OG	DUI	Charged with drunken driving after being pulled over for driving around barricades.
	Buccaneers	Austin Seferian-Jenkins	TE	DUI	Pulled over for speeding and driving erratically, accused of drunken driving in Tampa.
	Falcons	Ra'Shede Hageman	DL	Domestic Violence	From an incident with the mother of his child, Hageman was charged with interfering with a call for emergency help, battery family violence and cruelty to children in the third degree.
	Patriots	Montee Ball	RB	Domestic violence	Accused of disorderly conduct and battery after allegedly striking his girlfriend in the face.
	Titans	Dorian Green-Beckham	WR	Outstanding warrant	Pulled over for speeding in Missouri, where officer found an outstanding warrant for previous unpaid speeding ticket.
	Lions	Rodney Austin	OG	Domestic violence	Accused of pushing mother of his child and damaging her phone in North Carolina on April 5. Police say they observed no signs of injury.