As the backlash continues over the NFL’s new national anthem policy, a Minnesota Congressman says he has decided to boycott the league.
In a tweet he sent over the weekend, Minnesota Representative Keith Allison said he is a football fan who no longer plans to enjoy NFL games because of the “cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban” the league has implemented.
Friends who know me, know that I love football. But I won’t be watching this NFL season because of the unfair cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban. #BoycottNFL
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) May 27, 2018
Allison is at least the second Congressman to weigh in on the NFL anthem debate on Twitter, but Rep. Peter King of New York took the opposite stance when he ripped Jets chairman Christopher Johnson for volunteering to pay any fines his players may incur for protesting.
Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for National Anthem. Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police. Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) May 26, 2018
There are more than a few people who have an issue with the NFL’s new policy, which states that players can remain in the locker room during the national anthem but must stand at attention if they choose to be on the sideline. One prominent NBA coach already took aim at the league over it, and NFL players have begun speaking out as well. Expect that to continue throughout the offseason.
