Mike Pence, the U.S. VP, showed up to today’s Colts vs 49ers game at Lucas Oil field and abruptly left after one play in protest over the kneeling of players during the National Anthem, following the lead given to him by his boss, Donald Trump.
Athletes vs Trump
In what are many questioning as a premeditated move, Pence took to Twitter to justify his actions, supporting Trump’s cries made two weeks earlier about punishing players who kneel during the anthem, saying that they are disrespecting the flag, the country and veterans.
Vice President Pence on Twitter
I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.
But Pence, who delayed fans from entering the stadium due to his attendance and the security protocol involved, had to know that some players, especially the 49ers, would be kneeling as they have been doing it since last year when Kap first took a knee. This includes last week when multiple players took a knee during the anthem, which is why many, including Kap’s Mother and the 49ers’ Eric Reid, are questioning this move and calling it out as a stunt.
Teresa Kaepernick on Twitter
Then why show up in the first place? This in disgusting and very telling regarding who is running the NFL. “All about winning” my a** https://t.co/eawh8kTPyf
Peter Alexander on Twitter
FLAG: Was Pence leaving Colts game a political stunt? Reporters were told to stay in van bc “there may be an early departure from the game.
The Shadow League on Twitter
Eric Reid keeps it about Mike Pence “This looks like a P.R. stunt to me.” (h/t @jenniferleechan) https://t.co/T1oO1xkKNp
This appears to fit in line with Trump’s ridiculous pleas to punish protesting players, which is really another attempt to rile up his base through false claims that their actions are disrespecting the flag and veterans.
Let’s see how the players and teams react to this latest so-called “stunt.”
