Donald Trump’s tirade - calls NFL owners ‘son of *****’ for anthem protest - Hindustan Times
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Donald Trump’s tirade - calls NFL owners ‘son of *****’ for anthem protest

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Sep 23, 2017 09:06 PM IST

Donald Trump’s foul-mouthed slamming comes after protests began last year when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the US anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Donald Trump, United States’ president, launched a foul-mouthed tirade at National Football League (NFL) players who protest the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner (USA’s national anthem) at games, urging team owners to “fire” athletes who take a knee or raise a fist during the anthem.

Donald Trump has criticised owners and players who disrespect US national anthem during matches.(REUTERS)
Donald Trump has criticised owners and players who disrespect US national anthem during matches.(REUTERS)

Speaking at a Republican rally in Alabama, the American president drew loud cheers and chants of “USA, USA, USA” when he said fans should “leave the stadium” when it happens because it shows “disrespect of our heritage”.

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“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a ***** off the field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s fired!’” Trump said at the rally podium.

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“You know, some owner is going to do that. He’s going to say, ‘That guy that disrespects our flag, he’s fired.’ And that owner, they don’t know it (but) they’ll be the most popular person in this country.”

The protests began last year when quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Several more players have since joined in, nearly all of them black.

Kaepernick, who was unable to land a job with a team this season, has attracted support from his peers but also some backlash.

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The 29-year-old said he started his protests because he wanted to spark a nationwide debate.

Trump encouraged NFL fans to walk out of the stadium if they see players protesting during the pre-game anthem.

“When people like yourselves turn on television and you see those people taking the knee when they’re playing our great national anthem. The only thing you could do better is if you see it, even if it’s one player, leave the stadium.

“I guarantee things will stop. Things will stop. Just pick up and leave. Pick up and leave. Not the same game anymore, anyway.”

Trump withdraws White House invitation

President Donald Trump said Saturday he was withdrawing a White House invitation extended to the Golden State Warriors after several players on the NBA championship-winning side voiced misgivings about attending a reception.

Writing on Twitter, Trump singled out Warriors star Stephen Curry, who on Friday had signalled that he would vote against attending the White House reception in any team discussion.

“Going to the White House is considered a great honour for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!,” Trump wrote.

(With inputs from AFP)

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