Josh Norman, LeSean McCoy, And Others Explain Why They Chose To Demonstrate During The National Anthem

President Donald Trump said Friday that any “son of a bitch” NFL player who kneeled during the national anthem should be fired. He was immediately and rightfully torn apart by professional athletes, both for that remark and for claiming he was uninviting the never-invited Golden State Warriors to the White House because Steph Curry said he would not attend. On Sunday, football players demonstrated during the anthem and talked about why they did so.

Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman:

Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas:

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, who was the only player on his team not to stand for the anthem: “I felt like he attacked our brothers, my brothers in the league.”

Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy, who stretched during the anthem:

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith:

Baltimore Ravens tight end Ben Watson:

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton: