New England Patriots chairman and chief executive Robert Kraft on Sunday said he was “deeply disappointed” by President Trump’s comments regarding NFL players who refuse to kneel during the national anthem.
“I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities,” Kraft said in a written statement. “Their efforts, both on and off the field, help bring people together and make our community stronger.”
Kraft is a long-term friend of Trump’s and gave the president a customized 10-karat white gold, 280-diamond championship ring to commemorate the Patriots’ 2017 Super Bowl win.
Kraft’s statement followed a tweet from Trump on Sunday calling on fans to boycott the NFL until “players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country.”
“There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics,” Kraft continued. “I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons of teamwork and the importance of working together toward a common goal.”
Kraft supported players’ “right to peacefully affect social change and raise awareness in a manner that they feel is impactful,” he added.
Statement from #Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft: pic.twitter.com/f5DJeK0Woj
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 24, 2017
