The owners of the Browns released a statement Sunday morning showing support for players who choose to make a statement by kneeling during the national anthem.
Jimmy and Dee Haslam released the statement after dozens of Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars players kneeled during the national anthem before the start of Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium in London.
RELATED: About two dozen players kneel for national anthem in London
President Trump replied to the act with tweets, saying the players should be fired.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
The Haslams spoke of support for their own players who choose with the intent "to create positive and unifying change."
"We must not let misguided, uninformed and divisive comments from the President or anyone else deter us from our efforts to unify," the statement reads. "Our stance in support of the liberties of peaceful, personal expression afforded to our players and all Americans will remain strong, and we will continue to encourage our players to respectfully use their earned platform to inspire positive change in our nation and throughout society."
The Haslam's statement comes after an ABC News/Washington Post pollshows 66% of the country feels President Trump has done more to divide the country than unite it.
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The hashtags #TakeTheKnee and #TakeAKneeNFL were trending Sunday morning with users both for and against the movement.
Kneeling isn’t about “I hate this country.” It’s about “I love this country enough to know it can be and do better.” #TakeTheKnee
— RuPaul Ryan (@byproxxy) September 24, 2017
Trump 'dividing the country'?
Fact check; He didn't start #TakeTheKnee controversy - Colin Kaepernick did.
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) September 24, 2017
