Michael Jordan defended professional athletes who take a knee during the national anthem and who speak out against President Trump after Trump called on NFL team owners to fire any player who kneels.

“One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest,” Jordan said in a statement to the Charlotte Observer on Sunday. “Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized. At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division.”