Cruz: Boycott protesting sports stars’ merchandise

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Monday suggested that sports fans stop purchasing the merchandise of professional athletes protesting the U.S. flag.

To all the athletes who have made millions in America’s freedom: stop insulting our flag, our nation, our heroes. https://t.co/GrGPYX8HCh

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 12, 2016

Here’s a peaceful protest: never buy another shoe, shirt, or jersey of rich spoiled athletes who dishonor our flag. https://t.co/GrGPYX8HCh

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 12, 2016

{mosads}Cruz was addressing ESPN analyst and retired NBA player Jalen Rose’s praise of football stars demonstrating during the day before.

Salute to all @Nfl players & teams that peacefully did protests for change. #standfornothingfallforanything

— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) September 12, 2016

I bet @Nfl teams are hitting up @nflcommish like….”we can’t FINE players for protesting the Anthem…HOW did we miss that”

— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) September 12, 2016

Multiple NFL players over the weekend showed solidarity with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s ongoing protest during the national anthem.

Kaepernick first remained seated during “The Star-Spangled Banner” late last month to protest police brutality against minorities. The NFL star has since knelt during the song before several games, sparking national debate over the meaning of patriotism.

Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Michael Thomas all knelt before their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

The team on Sunday said it values players’ rights, but hopes that they will ultimately stand for the national anthem.

“We encourage all members of our organization to stand at attention during the national anthem out of respect and appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded as Americans,” the Dolphins said in a statement.

“We also recognize that it’s an individual’s right to reflect during the anthem in different ways. We respect those liberties and appreciate the sacrifices that everyone has made for our country, especially on this day of remembrance.”

Kaepernick and other players’ demonstrations have inspired mixed reactions from political figures from both sides of the aisle.

Donald Trump, for example, suggested Kaepernick should leave the U.S.

“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,” the GOP presidential nominee told “The Dori Monson Show” in late August.

President Obama, in contrast, said last week that Kaepernick is “exercising his constitutional right to make a statement” like various sports figures before him.