Story highlights Trump argued NFL players need to respect the flagHe also claimed less people are attending the gamesWashington (CNN) President Donald Trump believes NFL owners are "afraid of their players" when it comes to the recent controversy over players kneeling during the National Anthem, he said in an interview that aired Thursday. The comments suggesting that NFL owners -- who are overwhelmingly white -- are afraid of their players -- the most prominent protesters are black -- prompted accusations that Trump is continuing to stoke a controversy with strong racial undertones. I think they're afraid of their players, if you want to know the truth, and I think it's disgraceful." @POTUS on NFL owners: When it comes to the respect of our anthem and flag, they have no choice. pic.twitter.com/ApAuTFjAvY — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 28, 2017Trump was referencing recent protests by NFL players who have kneeled during the National Anthem.

Source: CNN September 28, 2017 12:01 UTC