Trump fires back at Goodell for defending players: 'Tell them to stand!'
President Donald Trump fired back at Commissioner Roger Goodell in a tweet, after the NFL released a statement Saturday condemning the commander in-chief's comments about players protesting during the national anthem.
Goodell insisted Trump's comments showed "a lack of respect for the NFL" after the president told NFL owners to fire players who continue their protests against racial inequality and social injustice during a rally Friday.
Trump wasn't having any of it.
Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.Tell them to stand!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
Trump has been criticized by athletes across several sports for his remarks, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Richard Sherman, and LeSean McCoy.
Related - NFLPA responds to Trump: 'We no longer can afford to stick to sports'
The New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins are among several teams denouncing Trump's comments.
In a tweet earlier Saturday, Trump stated that it is a "privilege" for players to make millions in the NFL, and they should respect the national anthem as a result. The president also inserted his catchphrase "YOU'RE FIRED" at the end of his tweet, which he also used during his speech Friday. Trump popularized the phrase during his time as the host of NBC reality show "The Apprentice."
It was reported that NFL players are considering further protests after Trump's most recent wave of criticism.