Biden to take part in 9/11 tribute at NFL game

Vice President Biden will mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by participating in a tribute to first responders during the national anthem before an NFL game, according to reports.

{mosads}The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that Biden will join 120 emergency responders, firefighters and police officers on the sidelines before the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles meet in their season opener on Sunday.

Biden’s participation comes amid fierce national debate over NFL players publicly protesting police violence, a trend begun by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who refused to stand for the national anthem.

The NFL star has since vowed to kneel during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” provoking mixed reactions nationwide.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said last week Kaepernick should leave the U.S. if he is that offended by its society.

“I think it’s a terrible thing, and, you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try. It’s not gonna happen,” Trump said on “The Dori Monson Show” on Aug. 29.

President Obama on Monday defended the football star’s right to protest.

“My understanding, at least, is he’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement,” he said during a news conference in Hangzhou, China. “I think there’s a long history of sports figures doing so.”