Scarborough: NFL players refusing to stand help Trump

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough on Sunday said it helps President Trump politically when NFL players protest during the national anthem.

“This may be unpopular but it is a political reality,” Scarborough tweeted Sunday. “Every NFL player refusing to stand for the national anthem helps Trump politically.”

This may be unpopular but it is a political reality:

Every NFL player refusing to stand for the national anthem helps Trump politically.

— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) September 24, 2017

His comments come after President Trump on Friday attacked players who refuse to stand.

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. He is fired,’ ” Trump said during an Alabama rally.

On Sunday, Trump ramped up his criticism of NFL players.

“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast,” he tweeted. “Fire or suspend!”

Many players and teams have since come out against the president’s comments, calling them divisive and disappointing. 

On Sunday, players on several teams knelt during the national anthem in the first game since Trump’s comments. 

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that owners should have a rule requiring players to stand in respect for the national anthem.

“This isn’t about Democrats, it’s not about Republicans, it’s not about race, it’s not about free speech,” he said.

“They can do free speech on their own time. That this is about respect for the military and first responders in the country,” Mnuchin said.