NFL teams are coming to the defense of their players in wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's call that professional athletes be suspended or fired for not standing for the national anthem.
Detroit Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford issued a statement Sunday morning against Trump's stance and was joined by several other owners across the league.
Green Bay Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy said it's unfortunate the President uses his platform for divisive and offensive statements about NFL players and the league.
Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said his team supports the players 100%.
The Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars staged silent protests by taking knees and locking arms during the national anthem before their game in England Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguar players show their protest during the National Anthem during the NFL International Series match between Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on September 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said he's deeply disappointed by the tone of the President's comments.
San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York said his team will continue to support players who have exercised their constitutional rights to "spark conversation and action to address social injustice." Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins called sports a common denominator and that players have the responsibility to use their platform to "promote understanding, respect and equality."
The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins say they've accepted an invitation from Donald Trump to visit the White House, while players, coaches and owners in the NFL and NBA have been involved in an escalating war of words with the U.S. president.
The Penguins released a statement Sunday saying they respect the office of the president and ``the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.'' The Penguins were honoured by Barack Obama after winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and previously by George H.W. Bush in the early 1990's.
Trump revoked the White House invitation to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors on Saturday after the team had said they might not accept, a decision that led to rebukes from star players including LeBron James and Chris Paul.