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Sports world strikes back at US president
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US President Donald Trump renewed his spat with the sports world yesterday, again calling for National Football League owners to fire players who protest during the US national anthem.
In an early morning tweet, Trump suggested fans could boycott NFL games in order to pressure teams to discipline players who protest the anthem.
“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast,” Trump wrote. “Fire or suspend!”
In a second tweet, Trump said the “league should back” fans who are upset about the protests.
On Saturday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Trump’s first statements on the matter, which came during a rally in Alabama on Friday, revealed an “unfortunate lack of respect” for the NFL and its players.
Trump suggested any protesting player was a “son of a bitch” and should lose his job. “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 ... He is fired’,” Trump said.
Trump tweeted later that, if NFL players wanted “the privilege” of high salaries, they “should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!”
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick stirred a national debate in 2016 after refusing to stand during pre-game renditions of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Instead, Kaepernick put one knee to the ground to protest against police violence against African-Americans. Several players have since made similar gestures of protest.
National Basketball Association players also struck back against the president on Saturday after Trump clashed with one of the biggest stars in the NBA.
In an early morning tweet, the president rescinded a White House invitation to Stephen Curry, who had said he would “vote” against a planned visit by NBA champions Golden State Warriors.
“Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” Trump wrote.
LeBron James came to Curry’s defense, disputing Trump’s assertion that visiting the White House was an honor.
“Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!” James said on Twitter.
Singer Stevie Wonder appeared to evoke protests by Kaepernick and others when he put one knee to the stage during a concert in New York City on Saturday.
“Tonight, I’m taking a knee for America,” Wonder said.
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