Mike Pence leaves Colts-49ers game after 23 players kneel during anthem
American vice president Mike Pence went to the Indianapolis Colts game on Sunday to make a statement.
After the national anthem was played ahead of the Colts' contest against the San Francisco 49ers, Pence tweeted that he was leaving the game because he felt the event was disrespectful to "our soldiers, our flag, and our national anthem."
I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
During the anthem, no Colts players displayed signs of protest, however 23 players on the 49ers' sideline took a knee, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Hours earlier, Pence posted a photo with his wife stating how excited he was to see Peyton Manning's jersey retirement ceremony.
Looking forward to cheering for our @Colts & honoring the great career of #18 Peyton Manning at @LucasOilStadium today. Go Colts! pic.twitter.com/C3aCYUNpqG
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
Pence released a prepared statement after leaving the game, signalling that his decision may have been premeditated.
I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/B0zP5M41MQ
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017