New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he is ‘deeply disappointed by the tone’ of President Donald Trump’s comments after he called for NFL players to be fired over the kneeling protest.
Kraft, who has been a strong supporter of Trump, spoke out on Sunday saying politicians could learn much from the unifying spirit of a competitive enterprise like professional football that succeeds from teamwork.
‘I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President…,’ Kraft said in a 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.’
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he is ‘deeply disappointed by the tone’ of President Donald Trump’s comments. He is pictured above with Trump at the White House in April
Kraft reportedly donated $1million to Trump’s inauguration celebrations, dined with him a week after the Patriots won the Super Bowl and gave him a Super Bowl ring.
He is one of the many owners to speak out following Trump’s remarks about players kneeling during the national anthem.
The Buffalo Bills were bothered enough by the situation to hold a voluntary team meeting on Saturday, with players, coaches, staff and ownership all taking part.
‘Our goal was to provide open dialogue and communication. We listened to one another. We believe it’s the best way to work through any issue we are facing, on and off the field,’ owners Terry and Kim Pegula said in a statement.
‘President Trump’s remarks were divisive and disrespectful to the entire NFL community, but we tried to use them as an opportunity to further unify our team and our organization. Our players have the freedom to express themselves in a respectful and thoughtful manner and we all agreed that our sole message is to provide and to promote an environment that is focused on love and equality.’
Kraft (right with Trump) reportedly donated $1million to Trump’s inauguration celebrations, dined with him a week after the Patriots won the Super Bowl and gave him a Super Bowl ring
At least seven team owners donated $1million each to Trump’s inaugural committee.
But Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos , Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank , New York Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, Tennessee Titans’ controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk and San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York were among the league power-brokers who issued condemning statements through their clubs.
‘The callous and offensive comments made by the president are contradictory to what this great country stands for,’ 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.’
Added Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy: ‘We believe it is important to support any of our players who choose to peacefully express themselves with the hope of change for good. As Americans, we are fortunate to be able to speak openly and freely.’
Trump’s comments in a Friday night speech at a rally in Alabama and a series of Saturday tweets drew sharp responses from some of the nation’s top athletes.
He said NFL players who kneel for the national anthem should be fired.
Baltimore Ravens players took a knee during the national anthem at Wembley in London on Sunday just hours after Donald Trump continued his growing feud with athletes
Jacksonville Jaguars players were spotted kneeling during the U.S. national anthem before the match on Sunday
Jaguars owner Shad Khan (above) joined his players on the field on Sunday and was spotted linking arms with them in a show of unity. He donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration
‘Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you’d say: ‘Get that son of a b****h off the field right now. Out! He’s fired,’ Trump said to loud applause.
In a tweet early Sunday morning, Trump wrote: ‘If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!’
Several NFL players, starting last season with then-San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, have either knelt, sat or raised fists during the anthem to protest police treatment of blacks and social injustice. Last week at NFL games, four players sat or knelt during the anthem, and two raised fists while others stood by the protesters in support.
Ahead of Sunday’s game between the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars, several players took a knee and others linked arms in defiance against Trump.
Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has taken heat for Kaepernick’s struggle to find a team, quickly condemned Trump’s comments.
‘The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. There is no better example than the amazing response from our clubs and players to the terrible natural disasters we’ve experienced over the last month,’ Goodell said.
‘Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.’