The Houston Texans have released a statement from CEO Bob McNair in response to comments from President Trump suggesting NFL owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem.
“The comments made by the president were divisive and counterproductive to what our country needs right now,” McNair said in the statement.
The Texans comments come on the heel of several statements from teams and signs of solidarity across the NFL. Earlier Sunday, over a dozen Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars players held hands along the sideline and locked arms during the anthem.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan released a statement after standing with players during the national anthem Sunday. pic.twitter.com/neIfkZD2oP
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 24, 2017
Trump on Friday night criticized NFL players who lodge protests during the national anthem.
Speaking at a political rally in 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 (explicit) off the field right now. Out. He’s fired! He’s fired!
Read the full statement:
“The NFL specifically, and football in general, has always unified our communities and families. The comments made by the president were divisive and counterproductive to what our country needs right now. I hope the reaction from our players results in positive action for our league, our communities and our country as a whole to make a positive difference in our society. Texans players are caring, intelligent men who do so much good, as was shown in the past month when our city was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. I have never been more proud of our players and our team than during this time. It was a display of what is truly possible when we all work together. We will continue to support our players to work together to promote the values of respect and unity.”
Statement from @HoustonTexans Founder, Chairman and CEO Robert C. McNair: pic.twitter.com/sF78Sc4hdg
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) September 24, 2017
