NFL

Robert Kraft ‘Disappointed' with President's Recent NFL Comments

New England Patriots Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft is speaking out about the recent comments made by President Donald Trump over criticizing NFL players who chose to protest during the national anthem.

Kraft released a statement Sunday saying he was deeply disappointed by the tone of Trump's comments.

Nearly 20 players from the Patriots took a knee during the playing of Sunday's anthem, as a loud chorus of boos rained down from the Gillette Stadium crowd both before and after the anthem’s conclusion. 

Among the Patriots who took a knee were Devin McCourty, Trey Flowers, Brandin Cooks, Brandon Bolden, James White, Malcolm Butler, Stephon Gilmore, Alan Branch, Duron Harmon and Malcom Brown. 

Tom Brady could be seen linking arms with several players, including Philip Dorsett and Matthew Slater. Slater was inactive for the game.

Trump said during a rally Friday that NFL players should be fired for kneeling during the national anthem.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, 'Get that son of a b---- off the field right now. Out! He's fired,'" Trump said.

Gallery: NFL Players Kneeling During the National Anthem

He followed with two tweets on Saturday saying, "If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!"

"NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S."

The tweets caused a firestorm among NFL players, including Patriots Devin McCourty and Nate Solder.

Quarterback Tom Brady, who is also friends with the president, seems to be neutral based on an Instagram post.

Kraft has been friends with the president for some time and even gave Trump a customized New England Patriots Super Bowl LI ring following the team's visit to the White House in April.

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