49ers Owner Jed York responds to Trump's "callous and offensive" comments, players join
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - In response to Donald Trump’s remarks that NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired, San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York issued a statement, joining other owners and many players.
While speaking at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama, Trump said, "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a b---- off the field right now. Out. He's fired! He's fired!"
Here’s some responses from across the league:
49ers owner, Jed York: “The callous and offensive comments made by the President are contradictory to what this great country stands for. 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 San Francisco 49ers will continue to work toward bringing communities, and those who serve them, closer together.”
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner: “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. 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.”
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dog Baldwin: “I’m not surprised by Trump’s comments. He has shown, since the beginning, his dehumanized nature. To think he would be anything different is to not know the reality of his presidency. He has surrounded himself with like-minded people and has removed anyone who challenges him. He acts like a child craving attention and any attention will do.”