Trump: Some NFL Team Owners Are 'Afraid Of Their Players'

EXCLUSIVE: @PeteHegseth interviewed @POTUS on national anthem protests pic.twitter.com/LJhOK9nTmw

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EXCLUSIVE: @PeteHegseth interviewed @POTUS on national anthem protests pic.twitter.com/LJhOK9nTmw
FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) September 28, 2017

President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of athletes who dont stand for the national anthem on Thursday, claiming that some NFL team owners are actually afraid of their players.

I have so many friends that are owners and theyre in a box, Trump told Fox News . Ive spoken to a couple of them they said we are in a situation where we have to do something. I think theyre afraid of their players, its disgraceful.

Trump sparked the NFL controversy last week in Alabama, when he called any player who behaves disrespectfully during the anthem a son of a bitch who deserves to be fired.

Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and a close friend of Trumps no doubt one of those Trump hinted at in his Fox News interview on Thursday lambasted the presidents comments on the anthem protests. Kraft said he was deeply disappointed by the tone , of his friends remarks. Our players are intelligent, thoughtful, and care deeply about our community and I support their right to peacefully effect social change and raise awareness in a manner that they feel is most impactful.

New York Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch dubbed Trumps words inappropriate, offensive and divisive . 49ers CEO Jed York slammed them as callous and offensive and lauded his players commitment to social justice.

Many other team owners released statements standing by their players commitments to social justice and freedom to demonstrate.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones joined his team in taking a knee before the anthem on Monday night, but stood while the anthem played. Trump said on Tuesday that Jones assured him the team would continue to stand for the pregame ritual.

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CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated that Jed York lauded his players commitment to social injustice. Its since been changed to social justice.