President Trump lashed out Monday at Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch for sitting during “The Star-Spangled Banner” and standing for the Mexican anthem before a game in Mexico City.
The president, who has repeatedly assailed NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem, blasted Lynch for his actions before the game against the New England Patriots at Azteca Stadium.
He also called for the league to take action.
“Marshawn Lynch of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders stands for the Mexican Anthem and sits down to boos for our National Anthem. Great disrespect!” Trump tweeted.
“Next time NFL should suspend him for remainder of season. Attendance and ratings way down.”
Lynch has not stood for the national anthem since returning from retirement this season.
According to ESPN, he was standing on the Raiders’ sideline when the American anthem began, then took a seat “a few bars” into the song.
Lynch has yet to explain the reason behind his protests, but before a Week 4 game, he wore a shirt with the message, “Everybody vs. Trump,” the Washington Post reported.
Last season, he was out of the NFL when former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began sitting, then kneeling, during the anthem, inspiring others to stage their own protests.
Some NFL players also kneeled for the national anthem but stood for “God Save the Queen” during games played in London — but Trump did not address the matter then, according to NBC Sports.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that the league believes “everyone should stand for the national anthem” but would not change its policies to force players to do so.
