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Continuing his weekend-long tirade against the NFL and black athletes nationwide, President Donald Trump issued an edict Sunday morning: Americans should boycott football.
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Calling for a boycott for the black athletes who’ve made it their job to speak fearlessly about racial injustice isn’t the the job of the presidency. The Executive Branch cannot force private businesses to silence employees who object to the views of the Oval Office.
Trump’s rants regarding football began in Alabama on Friday when he was stumping for senatorial candidate Luther Strange. In an 80-minute speech, Trump took aim at player safety concerns in the NFL, player protest, and more.
The NFL and NFL Players Association have both responded to Trump’s comments, some going as far as to not mention the president’s name in their statements. NFL owners have responded as well, many calling out the president’s words for being “divisive” and not in the unifying spirit of athletics.
The expectation from the league, following the words from the White House that posit hate and bigotry, is supposed to make for a robust Sunday.