Trump says protesting players in NFL should be fired

Activists raise their fists as they rally in support of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick outside the offices of the National Football League on Park Avenue, August 23, 2017 in New York City. During the NFL season last year, Kaepernick caused controversy by kneeling during the National Anthem at games to protest racial oppression and police brutality. Kaepernick is currently a free agent and some critics and analysts claim NFL teams don’t want to sign him due to his public display of his political beliefs. AFP/GETTY IMAGES FILE

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — President Donald Trump has a suggestion for National Football League owners whose players decide to take a knee during the national anthem: fire them.

And the president has a similar suggestion for fans of the sport: walk out of the stadium in protest.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the trend last year when he played for the San Francisco 49ers. He hasn’t been signed by an NFL team this season.

READ: NFL: Kaepernick’s controversial protest puts QB on cover of Time

Trump’s hard-nosed reaction to protests by several athletes over treatment of blacks by police came Friday night during a freewheeling rally in Alabama. He says such players are disrespecting the flag and deserve to lose their jobs.

Trump also bemoaned that football has become less violent. That view comes amid growing concerns over repeated head blows and a brain disease.