Trump Steps Up Attack on NFL, Calls for Fan Boycott of ‘Boring’ Games

“League should back U.S.,” POTUS tweets

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For a third straight day, President Donald Trump renewed his verbal attacks on the National Football League for allowing some of its players to protest during the national anthem before games.

In a series of Sunday morning tweets, the president slammed the league for “boring games” as well as lower attendance and TV ratings.

And he suggested a boycott to achieve his ends. “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast,” he wrote.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/911904261553950720

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/911911385176723457

Trump’s suggestion of a fan boycott follows widespread criticism of his call on Friday night to fire “son of a bitch” players who participate in protests against police brutality and the treatment of African Americans by kneeling during the national anthem.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell slammed the president’s remarks as “divisive” on Saturday, and he was joined by scores of NFL team owners and players.

“The callous and offensive comments made by the President are contradictory to what this great country stands for,” 49ers CEO Jed York said. “Our players have exercised their rights as United States citizens in order to spark conversation and action to address social injustice. We will continue to support them in their peaceful pursuit of positive change in our country and around the world.”

The president began his anti-NFL campaign on Friday, in a rambling speech at a rally in Alabama on Friday for Sen. Luther Strange, who is seeking election to a full term after being appointed to the seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has led a movement to take a knee during the national anthem as a gesture of protest against police brutality.

It is widely believed that he is being blacklisted by NFL owners for his political views and, since being dropped by San Francisco, he has not been signed to another team.

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