NFL commissioner, players' union angrily denounce Trump

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Golden State Warriors release statement on Donald Trump. https://t.co/VmdNKqLBrs

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U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!

LeBron James via Twitter 

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"It’s not about dividing. We as American people need to come together even stronger.” — @KingJames responds to @realDonaldTrump’s comments. https://t.co/UHpzXpb42K

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Steve Kerr was his candid self when talking about Trump today. https://t.co/C32bZP4k2U

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Not a trump fan by any stretch but still feel team should be willing to go to the white house.  I lost a lot of respect for Stephon Curry and the Golden State Warriors.  Can you imagine the stink that would have occurred if someone had said they wouldn't go visit Obama?  He, Obama, was also very divisive.  Not really a NBA fan so doesn't really matter but if I watch, I''l cheer against the warriors...

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There were players that didn't go visit President Obama. Matt Birk was one of them.

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@IDVikingfan said:
I think all coaches should follow Bud Grant's strategy.  Have the team practice standing single file and at attention during the anthem.  Show some respect to flag and our country.  If the NFL wants to become a siren for social justice, then fine, who needs em.  I'll watch college football.  Better ticket deal anyway and more readily available.

I watched and applauded like you. Generations ago...This generation of player is going to speak their minds more than those before the, glad for that too. And they have the pulpits and tools to do so.

Whole thing evokes 68 and 68 Olympics. Such a divisive time, we're pretty much there again imo. 

Like I said, I am a patriot and love my country too. I got no issues with the statements athletes are making or how. But we all got things that happen in this world that strikes us in different ways...I can understand how this does sit right with some. 

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There were a lot of players who declined going to the WH.  Bird, Jordan..., it's almost a tradition, that's part of being in America.

I have never done anything but stand with my hand on my heart when the anthem is played.  I have never felt it was mandatory, I do it out of pure respect, and I felt good doing it.   This latest kerfuffle, is kinda taking the good feelings and respect out of the symbolism.  Some it appears, think there needs to be retribution for not adequately displaying your homage to the State, at a for profit sporting event.  There wasn't a football, basketball, baseball, golfer or hockey player among the founders, so what makes it such a dogmatic ritual?

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@purplefaithful said:
NFL's Goodell says Trump's comments about league, players show 'lack of respect'http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/23/nfls-goodell-says-trumps-comments-about-league-players-show-lack-respect.html

that is funny, Goodell talking about lack of respect.  Don't agree with Trump dropping into the twitter world level of communication, nor his message, but Goodell should STFU.

As to it being a dogmatic ritual, I agree with you Al, it should be voluntary.  That is what freedom is about.  But if an owner sez stand up or lose your job, that is his right as well.  I think the Seattle ownership, while it is their right, is walking down a dangerous path.  I don't watch the NFL to be hit over the head with ESPN and their pretend activism, nor do I want to see it from the overpaid "poor and downtrodden" players. 

I don't care for the NFL and their fake activism with the military and pink campaigns either.  We know those are simply money grubbing hype and very little is done to help those in need.

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Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf change course, issue a statement on Trump's commentsVikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf have changed course and have now issued a statement responding to President Donald Trump’s remarks about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.
Here is the statement: “Professional sports offer a platform unlike any other, a platform that can bring people from a variety of backgrounds together to impact positive change in our society. As owners, it is our job to foster an environment that recognizes and appreciates diversity of thought and encourages using this platform in a constructive manner. Rather than make divisive statements, we believe in promoting thoughtful, inspiring conversation that unifies our communities. We are proud of our players, coaches and staff for the important role they play in our community, and we fully support their constitutional right to respectufully and peacefully express their beliefs.”
— Zygi and Mark Wilf and the entire Wilf family.