Wednesday, the NFL rolled out a new policy for the National Anthem. The policy stated players would not be required to be on the field for the anthem, but if they were on the field and they took a knee, their team would be fined. The NFL Players' Association was clearly unhappy with the new policy and stated they had not been consulted.
Philadelphia's Malcolm Jenkins said, in response to the policy, "I will not let it silence me." But U.S. President Donald Trump, who called for fans to boycott the league in the fall, said players who kneel "shouldn't be in the country."
The policy has been the talk of the sports world since it was announced. Thursday afternoon, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr—who's always willing to share his political opinions—criticized the measure.
"Basically trying to use the anthem as fake patriotism, nationalism, scaring people, it's idiotic, but that's how the NFL is in the business," Kerr said. "I'm proud to be in a league that understands patriotism in America is about free speech, about peacefully protesting."
He continued:
Check out Kerr's full comments below.
Kerr and the Warriors are currently tied with Houston, 2-2. Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals is slated for Thursday at 9 p.m. EST on TNT.
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