Trump: ‘It is about time’ Goodell is ‘demanding’ NFL players stand for anthem

“It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem-RESPECT OUR COUNTRY,” the president tweeted. 

It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem-RESPECT OUR COUNTRY

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2017

Goodell said in a statement on Tuesday that he believes “everyone should stand for the National Anthem.”

He added that the controversy over NFL players taking a knee in protest during the anthem “is threatening to erode the unifying power of our game, and is now dividing us, and our players, from many fans across the country.”

“We also care deeply about our players and respect their opinions and concerns about critical social issues,” Goodell added. “The controversy over the anthem is a barrier to having honest conversations and making real progress on the underlying issues. We need to move past this controversy, and we want to do that together with our players.”

{mosads}The president’s criticism of players kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice has intensified in recent days. 

Vice President Mike Pence walked out of an Indianapolis Colts game Sunday after players knelt during the anthem.

Trump ignited a firestorm over the issue last month when he suggested at a campaign rally that players taking a knee during the anthem should be fired. 

Goodell called those comments “divisive,” and said they demonstrated a “lack of respect for the NFL.”