WATCH: NFL Legend Jim Brown Criticizes Anthem Kneelers During a White House Visit

Brittany M. Hughes | October 12, 2018
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During a visit to the White House Thursday afternoon, former NFL star Jim Brown criticized football players and other athletes who kneel for the national anthem to protest police and President Donald Trump.

The 82-year-old football legend and outspoken Trump supporter explained Thursday he’s not a fan of the anti-anthem “protest,” explaining, “I don’t think that we should take knees in protest instead of be standing up for our flag. I think we should work out our problems as a family, and that’s what I would advocate to my children.
 

Jim Brown speaks to media outside White House: "I don't think that we should take knees in protest instead of be standing up for our flag." pic.twitter.com/sZDTsfyinp

— CSPAN (@cspan) October 11, 2018

Trump had invited Brown, along with rapper and fellow Trump supporter Kanye West, to the White House this week to discuss issues that particularly affect black communities. Brown has been a public supporter of Trump in the past, as well as a known critic of the NFL protests, once saying he personally would “never kneel” during the anthem.

Though the recent rash of #TakeAKnee protests have largely fizzled out amid some pressure from the NFL to tamp down on the publicly unpopular display, some football players have continued to "protest" in their own way during the national anthem before games. Some have taken a knee while others have raised fists, sat on the sidelines or remained in the locker room until the song is over.

(Cover Photo: LBJ Foundation)

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