New York Post

Team owners to prez: You dropped ball

-

A slew of NFL team owners — including several million-dollar donors to President Trump — blasted the commander-in-chief Sunday for bashing their players’ anti-racism protests. The owners’ defiance was surprising­ly led by New England Patriots boss Robert Kraft, typically a Trump loyalist, who said he couldn’t stand by while the president labeled any player who kneels during the national anthem a “son of a bitch.” “I am deeply disappoint­ed by the tone of the comments made by the president,” Kraft said in statement.

“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.”

Trump, asked for comment later, danced around the slap in the face.

“He’s a good friend of mine, and I want him to do what he wants to do,” Trump said of Kraft. “[But] we have great people representi­ng our country . . . and when you get on your knee and you don’t respect the American flag or the anthem, that’s not being treated with respect.’’

Jacksonvil­le Jaguars boss Shahid Khan and Houston Texans owner Robert McNair — both buddies and $1 million donors to Trump events — echoed Kraft’s disdain. Khan stood on the field, his arms linked with his players, during his team’s game Sunday.

McNair said Trump’s “divisive and counterpro­ductive’’ words couldn’t have come at a worse time for the country.

Owners of the New York Giants and eight other teams made similar comments.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States