Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva (78) stands outside the tunnel alone during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
By Cathy Burke | NEWSMAX
President Donald Trump claimed Monday there has been “tremendous backlash” against the NFL for players’ protests during the national anthem — and refuted a CNN report that chief of staff John Kelly disagreed with the president’s rebuke.
As players, owners and fans continued to weigh in on the president’s criticism of more than 200 take-the-knee protests throughout the league Sunday, Trump took to Twitter to declare vindication.
.@CNN is #FakeNews. Just reported COS (John Kelly) was opposed to my stance on NFL players disrespecting FLAG, ANTHEM, COUNTRY. Total lie!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
General John Kelly totally agrees w/ my stance on NFL players and the fact that they should not be disrespecting our FLAG or GREAT COUNTRY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
Tremendous backlash against the NFL and its players for disrespect of our Country.#StandForOurAnthem🇺🇸
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
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http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/fake-news-cnn-john-kelly-national-anthem/2017/09/25/id/815668/