Sunday September 24th, the National Football League played 14 games and in every game at least three players kneeled down in protest. Multiple players came out after the game saying they were responding to President Trump and his comments on the NFL. Trump made comments via twitter that said, “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our flag and Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend.”

President Trump is not the only one who believes it is disrespectful to sit down during the national anthem. “I understand why people are offended by people protesting the National Anthem,” Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith told ESPN.

I asked a few students at Rocky what they thought about it. Junior Jamison White believes that, “It is disrespectful to the people who fought for our country.”

Patrick O’Brien, also a junior, said it was disrespectful to the military. “Yes, because without soldiers we wouldn’t have the freedom that we all enjoy.”

Junior Peter Swanson said, “I think that the players are trying to protest Trump but indirectly disrespecting the flag.”

Aaron Anya a sophomore said, “I think it was cool to see the players kneel down and protest Trump.”

When asked the same question senior Steven Winkler said, “It was not disrespectful to the flag, but to Trump.”  He thought that Trump talking and calling out the players caused them to react the way they did.    

Personally, I believe that our President needs to stay out of sports because there are more important items he could be focusing on. There are better places to protest Trump or other important issues  than on a Sunday during a football game. Hopefully, moving forward, he’ll turn his attention to more important matters.