INDIANAPOLIS – Vice President Mike Pence walked out on his home-state Indianapolis Colts Sunday when members of the opposing team kneeled for the national anthem. As part of the story there are conflicting reports as to what the man who began the protests, Colin Kaepernick, would do if given another shot in the NFL, reported Fox News.
“I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem,” Pence tweeted.
I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
His response was due to several San Francisco 49ers players kneeled for the anthem on Sunday in Indianapolis.
At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience…
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience…
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
Pence later posted a statement, which read, “I left today’s Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem. At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience, now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us.”
I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/B0zP5M41MQ
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
“While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem,” he continued. “I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and National Anthem.”
We were proud to stand – with all our @Colts – for our soldiers, our flag, and our National Anthem ?? pic.twitter.com/mkZiKMkPDD
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
President Donald Trump later tweeted, “I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.”
I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
Eric Trump also chimed in on the largely symbolic message sent by the vice-president writing on Twitter, “Vice President Pence is truly an amazing man! Thank you for standing up for our country and for the respect of our great flag! @VP”
Vice President Pence is truly an amazing man! Thank you for standing up for our country and for the respect of our great flag! @VP ?????? https://t.co/gHTX6MayCh
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) October 8, 2017
Kaepernick’s kneeling protest has grown this season, largely in response to the president’s criticism of the players.
Meanwhile, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora corrected his report that had claimed Kaepernick would stand during the national anthem if given a chance to play football in the NFL again.
“Wanted to clarify one thing regarding @Kaepernick7. When I was asked whether or not he would sit or stand for anthem …” La Canfora tweeted after the report came out earlier Sunday.
“Standing for Anthem wasn’t something that I spoke to Colin about,” the reporter added. “I relayed what had been reported about him standing in the future…”
https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/917060568875331584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fus%2F2017%2F10%2F08%2Fvice-president-mike-pence-leaves-colts-49ers-game-after-players-reportedly-kneel.html
“Reports about @Kaepernick7 standing for anthem had not been refuted,” La Canfora wrote. “However, I cant say if they are true or not. Colin and I didn’t discuss.”
Wanted to clarify one thing regarding @Kaepernick7. When I was asked about his whether or not he would sit or stand for anthem …
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
In another message, La Canfora said, “Colin would have to address any future demonstrations. I didn’t ask him if he would sit or stand. Our chat primarily about his will to play.”
Standing for Anthem wasn't something that I spoke to Colin about sat. I relayed what had been reported about him standing in the future…
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
“I know @Kaepernick7 is fully committed to playing football and helping those in need. What he would do during the Anthem I do not know,” he wrote.
I know @Kaepernick7 is fully committed to playing football and helping those in need. What he would do during the Anthem I do not know
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 8, 2017
The reporter added that Kaepernick has been living in New York and working out privately in New Jersey with the hope of signing with a team this season.
“After sitting down with Colin Kaepernick for several hours, @JasonLaCanfora says the QB is still actively trying to play in the NFL,” NFLonCBS tweeted Sunday, including a video.
“He’s not planning on kneeling, he’s going to donate all his jersey sales, and he’s planning on standing for the anthem, if given the opportunity,” La Canfora initially said in the video segment.
Moreover, Kaepernick’s girlfriend, radio personality Nessa Diab, took to Twitter on Sunday, reported Fox.
“The reports that Colin will stand for the anthem are completely false! He has never discussed this with anyone,” she posted.
Finally, Kaepernick reportedly retweeted Diab’s message.
(Photo @VP Twitter)