LOS ANGELES: From the US President describing protesting NFL players as “sons of bitches” to the pre-eminent superstar of the NBA disparaging the occupant of the White House as a “bum”, 2017 was the year that American sport went political. That all changed on September 22, when Trump, speaking at a rally in Alabama, raised the issue of NFL players who refused to stand for the anthem. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up.”‘Lack of respect’The NFL, meanwhile, united in its response to Trump’s criticism of players who protest. “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a statement. NFL team owners issued statements condemning Trump’s comments.

Source: Manila Times December 23, 2017 02:37 UTC