Falcons' Quinn encourages fans to lock arms during anthem

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn told reporters Wednesday that he encourages fans to join his players in locking arms during the national anthem.

Quinn said the Falcons are trying to send a message of "solidarity."

The Falcons linked arms prior to Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions in an ostensible protest against racial inequality and police brutality, following Donald Trump's incendiary remarks during a rally in Alabama on Friday.

Trump said NFL owners should fire players who protest during the anthem, and his comments were met with widespread condemnation and derision from the sports world at-large. Several players and teams released statements denouncing his comments.

The Falcons host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.