Trump tells Fox & Friends that NFL players who don't stand during the national anthem maybe 'shouldn't be in the country'

On Thursday morning, Fox & Friends broadcast an interview Brian Kilmeade conducted with President Trump on Wednesday, on short notice. Kilmeade informed Trump that the NFL owners had just approved a policy that fines teams if any of their players refuse to stand for the national anthem, though players also have the option to stay in the locker room during the anthem. Trump said he didn't like the locker room option but was pleased with the other part — maybe a little too pleased. "You have to stand proudly for the national anthem," Trump said, "or you shouldn't be playing, you shouldn't be there, maybe you shouldn't be in the county."
The NFL Players Association was less pleased with the decision, and at least one team owner — New York Jets chairman Christopher Johnson, the brother of Trump's ambassador to Britain, Woody Johnson — said he would personally pay the fine of any player who decides to kneel anyway. Also in disagreement with Trump? The New York Daily News.
So. Are you ready for some football?
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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
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