Friends of Scott Walker has launched a petition to build pressure on the NFL and its players to stand for the national anthem and to stop protesting.
“It is time for players in the NFL to stop their protests during the National Anthem. Instead, I’m encouraging them to use their voices and influence to take a stand against domestic violence,” the petition says. “My request is simple: stand for the American flag and the National Anthem out of respect for those who risk their lives for our freedoms, and then take a stand against domestic violence to keep American families safe.”
The Republican former presidential hopeful sent a letter last week to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith saying he believes players are showing disrespect for the flag and veterans.
“Don’t take away from something that should be a unifying force,” Walker said. “Speaking up for what you believe in is a profoundly American idea, but disrespecting our flag, and the men and women who have fought to protect and defend our country, is not American in the slightest.”
Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the protests last season when he refused to stand during the anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality. With Kaepernick out of the league this year, other players have taken up his cause. President Donald Trump has been pressuring owners to discipline players who don’t stand for the anthem.
