Several Miami Dolphins players joined the at least 100 players kneeling or sitting during the national anthem Sunday, showing their defiance to President Donald Trump's criticism.
Wide receiver Kenny Stills, offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, tight end Julius Thomas and defensive back Maurice Smith all kneeled during the playing of the national anthem Sunday, while teammates, coaches and even owner Stephen Ross linked arms in solidarity.
During pregame warm-ups, a handful of Miami Dolphins players were seen wearing black T-shirts supporting free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The shirts have "#IMWITHKAP" written in bold white lettering on the front.
Kaepernick was the first athlete to refuse to stand during the national anthem as a protest. This season, no team has signed him, and some supporters believe NFL owners are avoiding him because of the controversy.
Among the players sporting the shirts before their game against the New York Jets are wide receiver Kenny Stills, running back Jay Ajayi and offensive linemen Laremy Tunsil and Ja'Wuan James. Stills, also a team captain, posted a photo on Twitter of himself wearing the shirt , along with the post: "In case you didn't know!"
During a press conference the day after the show of solidarity, head coach Adam Gase was asked about the events on the field. He made no comment.
"I was focused on the game," Gase told reporters.
President Donald Trump had a suggestion on Saturday for National Football League owners whose players decide to take a knee during the national anthem: fire them.
In a Sunday morning tweet, Trump urged his supporters to take action: "If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!"
Local
Several NFL owners joined the chorus of NFL executives criticizing President Donald Trump's suggestion that they fire players who kneel for the national anthem.
