FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, file photo, the Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, center, take a knee prior to the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. What began more than a year ago with a lone NFL quarterback protesting police brutality against minorities by kneeling silently during the national anthem before games has grown into a roar with hundreds of players sitting, kneeling, locking arms or remaining in locker rooms, their reasons for demonstrating as varied as their methods. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
Republished September 28, 2017 - 8:39 AM
Original Publication Date September 28, 2017 - 4:56 AM
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump says National Football League team owners are "afraid of their players." And he's still calling for action against those who kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.
Trump says he began criticizing the players because he has "so many friends that are owners." He adds: "I think they are afraid of their players, if you want to know the truth, and I think it's disgraceful."
The president spoke in an interview that aired Thursday on "Fox and Friends." He says "most people agree" with him.
NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart called the president's statements "inaccurate."
"I believe there was a statement our owners are afraid of our players and owners requested intervention by political leaders to kick this off," Lockhart said. "Those statements are not accurate."
Trump has spent days attacking players who kneel during the anthem. He insists the NFL should require players to stand. Responding to Trump, hundreds more players have been sitting, kneeling, locking arms or remaining in locker rooms.
"The owners are clearly united in a sense that the attacks on the game, on the NFL, on the players were unfair and unfounded, and that there was unity among the group," Lockhart said, noting that about two-thirds of the 32 team owners were at league headquarters this week for committee meetings.
"I think there was also a sentiment ... that the issues are being obscured and distorted by people with political agendas. I think they made it clear they support our players, but also support our country, the national anthem, the flag — all of the things some have suggested we don't."
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News from © The Associated Press, 2017