Vice President Mike Pence left an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday after several players knelt during the National Anthem. The VP of the United States said that he did not want to “dignify” the event.
On Twitter, the Vice President of the United States said, “I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.”
Pence later issued a statement opposing the protest on Twitter.
I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/B0zP5M41MQ
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
President Trump tweeted that he asked Pence to leave the stadium.
“I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen,” Trump tweeted.
I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
Several journalists accompanying the vice president were not allowed into the stadium and was asked to stay behind in their vans, according to CNN. They were told by a staffer to the vice president that “there may be an early departure from the game,” but were not given any more information.
Looking forward to cheering for our @Colts & honoring the great career of #18 Peyton Manning at @LucasOilStadium today. Go Colts! pic.twitter.com/C3aCYUNpqG
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
After leaving the game, Pence posted a photo of himself and his wife standing for the anthem at the game on Sunday.
Donald Trump Jr., the President’s eldest son, tweeted his support for Pence’s decision. “Amen. After almost a decade it’s great to have leaders who have pride in our country again,” Donald Trump Jr. said on Twitter
We were proud to stand – with all our @Colts – for our soldiers, our flag, and our National Anthem ?? pic.twitter.com/mkZiKMkPDD
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
Colin Kaepernick made headlines after kneeling during the anthem last year. Kaepernick argued his form of non-violent protest was a way to bring attention to police brutality and race relations in America. Trump has bashed the form of protest calling it disrespectful to the flag and veterans. Trump has even called for a boycott of the National Football League unless the league takes action against players who protest.