In recent months, several football players have knelt during the national anthem as a protest against acts of violence committed on people of color by the police

In less than 20 days will begin the National Football League (NFL) season and, apparently, the topic that will be discussed until next Thursday, September 6, when the Philadelphia Eagles plays against the Atlanta Falcons, will be the conflict between President Donald Trump and the NFL. This after a football game several players got down on their knees or did not came out the locker room during the national anthem as a measure of protest against acts of violence committed on African Americans by the police.

Leer en español: Estos son los jugadores de la NFL que alzaron sus puños contra la injusticia racial

After the incident, the U.S. president posted a message on his Twitter account in which he attacked the players who protested on August 9. "A football game is not a place to protest," he said, adding that the player who does not stands during the anthem ceremony should be suspended without paid.

….. Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is not place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!

– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2018

"The NFL players areat it again – taking knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their "outrage" at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love," the president said on his Twitter account a day after the event.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), did not hesitate to respond to the president: "The NFL players have continuously defined what they're protesting: white supremacy, police brutality, and racial injustice. You're not listening."

NFL players have continuously defined what they're protesting: white supremacy, police brutality, and racial injustice. You're not listening. https://t.co/1YkqieU9HM

– ACLU (@ACLU) August 10, 2018

Players who have protested against police violence

With these and other actions, several athletes have protested in recent months for police violence against people of color and as a challenge to Donald Trump. According to El Mundo de España, in the match between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson knelt, while Robert Quinn raised his fist.

Another player who protested at a football game was Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tim Williams, who stood in front of the bench and with his back to the field. For their part, Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Fournette of the Jacksonville Jaguars retired to the dressing room in the game against the New Orleans Saints, like Branden Jackson, QuIGNORE INTOn Jefferson and Duane Brown of the Seattle Seahawks in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

According to Univision, Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles "also raised his fist during the national anthem before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers." The same media explained that shortly before the game, Jenkins tweeted the following: "Before we enjoy this game lets take some time to ponder that more than 60% of the prison population are people of color. The NFL is made up of 70% African Americans: What you witness on the field does not represent the reality of the everyday America. We are the anomalies … "

The first to start this movement was Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, who knelt during the national anthem in an NFL game , also as a protest to this problem.

You can also read: Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James: Two athletes with millions of followers around the world 

Other incidents between U.S. athletes and Donald Trump

The NFL is not the only one who has had problems with Donald Trump. A few weeks ago the U.S. president insulted NBA star LeBron James. Given this, LeBron said in an interview with CNN journalist, Don Lemon, that: "He's trying to divide our sport, but at the end of the day, sport is the reason why we all come together."

Before such statement, Trump said in his Twitter account: "Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!"

In 2017, the president withdrew an invitation to basketball player Stephen Curry and his team, the Golden State Warriors, after crowned as NBA champions in the same year. Although they had already stated that they would not attend the meeting.

"Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!", Trump tweeted. To which LeBron replied: "U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!."

LatinAmerican Post | Onofre Zambrano

Translated from "Estos son los jugadores de la NFL que alzaron sus puños contra la injusticia racial"