Add iconic Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton to the growing list of people critical of NFL players protesting the national anthem.
“I think every American has the right to do or say whatever freedom offers us. However, during a national anthem is not a time or a place to show that kind of thing,” Newton said during his appearance on Fox & Friends on Monday. “I have no tolerance at all for it.”
Sept. 11 was the first Sunday of the regular NFL season. With each game since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced his intention to protest during the national anthem, more and more players have joined him.
For the Dolphins, Kenny Stills, Michael Thomas, Arian Foster and Jelani Jenkins took a knee during the anthem on Sunday. Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters raised his fist, along with Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots, and Jurrell Casey, Wesley Woodyard and Jason McCourty of the Tennessee Titans. The Seattle Seahawks joined arms as a team in a sign of unity.
Kate Upton and Rob Lowe also felt the need to weigh in on the player’s protest against racial injustice.
“Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country,” Upton wrote as a caption to a photo of the aforementioned Dolphins kneeling. “Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific.”
“Any player wants to boycott the anthem on 9/11 should be asked to remain in the locker room until kick off. It’s not their moment,” Lowe tweeted.
Newton added that if the players have a problem with the country, they can “get the hell out.”