President Trump renewed his criticism of NFL players who protested the national anthem during the start of the 2018 NFL preseason on Thursday. Two Miami Dolphins players kneeled during the playing of the anthem, while a 3rd player raised a gloved fist before the start of the Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Bucs game in Miami.
Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson, both virtually unknown wide receivers, kneeled while little known defensive end Robert Quinn raised his fist. Tampa Bay won the game 26-24.
“The NFL players are at it again,” Trump tweeted, “taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem.”
He continued: “Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their ‘outrage’ at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love…”
The NFL players are at it again – taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their “outrage” at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins raised his fist during the anthem on Thursday night. Prior to the game against Pittsburgh, Jenkins tweeted:
“Before we enjoy this game lets take some time to ponder that more than 60% of the prison population are people of color. The NFL is made up of 70% African Americans. What you witness on the field does not represent the reality of everyday
America. We are the anomalies…”
The Eagles lost their pre-season game minutes before Trump ended his Twitter tirade by telling the highly-paid professional athletes to “find another way to protest.”
Critics say the anthem protests are directed more toward the president than bringing awareness to social injustice.
Last season, Trump lashed out at anthem protesters, such as Colin Kaepernick, saying “Get that son of a bitch off the field.”
Trump’s inflammatory comments unified the majority Black NFL players in a way that Kaepernick and his self-serving protests never did.
Screensots: Youtube.com
