Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., lambasted New York Jets chairman and acting owner Christopher Johnson for offering to pay any fines NFL players may face after the league announced a new policy aimed at preventing kneeling protests during the national anthem.
“Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for National Anthem,” King tweeted Saturday morning. “Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police. Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!”
Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for National Anthem. Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police. Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) May 26, 2018
Last week, the NFL voted to fine teams whose players choose to be on the field and do not stand while the national anthem is being played. Players do have the option of remaining in the locker room while the anthem is being played if their team deems it appropriate.
In response to the new policy, Johnson offered to pay any fines if his players choose next season not to stand during the national anthem.
The national anthem demonstrations began when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in Sept. 2016 to protest wrongdoings against minorities. His action drew heavy criticism but also led to players across the league joining him in protest.
