"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," Pence said in a statement on Twitter statement.
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 Archived (@VP45) October 8, 2017
"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," he said.
Credit: Michael Conroy
Credit: Michael Conroy
Trump later said in a tweet that he asked Pence to leave the game, if any player knelt during the national anthem.
“I am proud of him and second lady Karen,” he said on Twitter.
Earlier Sunday, Pence, the former governor of Indiana, tweeted a picture of he and his wife Karen decked out in Colts sportswear.
>> Related: 8-year-old football players kneel during national anthem in protest
Looking forward to cheering for our @Colts & honoring the great career of #18 Peyton Manning at @LucasOilStadium today. Go Colts! pic.twitter.com/C3aCYUNpqG
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) October 8, 2017
We were proud to stand - with all our @Colts - for our soldiers, our flag, and our National Anthem
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— Vice President Pence (@VP)
National anthem protests took center stage late last month after Trump demanded the NFL fire players who knelt in protest over social injustices.
That sparked outrage from the league and its players. Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL owners and players took a knee the following Sunday in games across the country showing their solidarity with each other and against Trumps comments.
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