Timeline: The sports world reacts to comments, tweets by Donald Trump

By Tadd Haislop

The most popular driver in a sport that, according to President Donald Trump, "won't put up with disrespecting our Country and our Flag" sent a loud message Monday morning, part of which came in the form of a John F. Kennedy quote.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has won NASCAR's Most Popular Driver award a record 14 consecutive years, tweeted what appeared to be his response to racing's sudden involvement in a national debate around protests during the playing or singing of the national anthem at sporting events.

Tweeted Junior: "All Americans R granted rights 2 peaceful protests ... Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable-JFK."

All Americans R granted rights 2 peaceful protests
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable-JFK

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 25, 2017

PHOTOS: National anthem moments around NFL

Two NASCAR team owners — Richard Childress and Richard Petty — were quoted Sunday in the Associated Press condemning those who protest during the national anthem.

"It'll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus," said Childress, the man for whom Junior's late father, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt, drove for 18 years. "Anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America."

Added Petty, also a seven-time Cup Series champion: "Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got ’em where they’re at? The United States."

Petty clarified that any protester at Richard Petty Motorsports would indeed be "fired."

Trump tweeted Monday morning that he is "so proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans." He followed that up minutes later with a pair of tweets aimed at the dozens of NFL players who took a knee during the anthem before Sunday's games, expressing approval of the fans who booed players for protesting.

By Marc Lancaster

As controversy swirled around the NFL on Sunday, Tom Brady tried his best to keep things positive.

Monday morning, the Patriots quarterback opened up a bit more and offered his first direct appraisal of President Donald Trump's comments about NFL player protests.

“Yeah, I certainly disagree with what he said. I thought it was just divisive," Brady said Monday on WEEI in Boston. "Like I said, I just want to support my teammates. I am never one to say, ‘Oh, that is wrong. That is right.’ I do believe in what I believe in. I believe in bringing people together and respect and love and trust. Those are the values that my parents instilled in me. That is how I try and live every day.

"I have been blessed to be in locker rooms with guys all over the United States over the course of my career. Some of my great friends are from Florida, Virginia, New York, Montana, Colorado, Texas. The one thing about football is it brings so many guys together — guys you would never have the opportunity to be around. Whether it was in college, and all the way into the pros. We’re all different, we’re all unique. That is what makes us all special.”

The latter part of that comment echoed much of what Brady said following the Patriots' 36-33 win over the Texans at Gillette Stadium, but he had declined Sunday to respond to a question about whether he agreed with Trump saying kneeling during the anthem is unacceptable.

"I'm not getting into any of that," he said Sunday. "Like I said, I speak for myself. I believe what I believe. You guys know me. I'm a very positive person, so I try to just live by example and say positive things about people. I try to control my own emotions, and no matter what anyone says, I'm going to have a positive outlook, certainly with my teammates. We all go through ups and downs and there's struggles and it's life and we're all trying to navigate it as best we can. So, I believe that love is the greatest thing we have that overcomes a lot of things."

In his WEEI appearance Monday, Brady also addressed boos that could be heard in Foxborough after several of his teammates took a knee during the anthem. He said of the fans who were booing:

"I think everyone has the right to do whatever they want to do. If you don’t agree, that is fine. You can voice your disagreement, I think that is great. It’s part of our democracy. As long as it is done in a peaceful, respectful way, that is what our country has been all about.”

By Sara Jane Harris

NBC Sports broadcaster Bob Costas was a guest on CNN's "New Day" Monday, to share his thoughts on Donald Trump's controversial remarks about NFL players.

Costas was asked if NFL players were disrespecting the military and first responders by kneeling during the national anthem.

He delivered a powerful response, saying sports, patriotism and the flag have become so conflated that other gestures are excluded or criticized as unpatriotic.

Bob Costas NAILED this. Patriotism comes in many forms, but it's been conflated w/ bumper sticker flag waving & "military only." 🙌 pic.twitter.com/2R5z00btfU

— Josh Sánchez (@jnsanchez) September 25, 2017

"This is no disrespect to the military," said Costas. “Martin Luther King was a patriot. Susan B. Anthony was a patriot. Dissidents are patriots. School teachers and social workers are patriots."

Costas says he believes patriotism has been associated with the military only, but argues that patriotism is about more than just our brave soldiers.

"Patriotism comes in many forms and what has happened is that it's been conflated with a bumper sticker-style kind of flag-waving and with the military only, so that people cannot see that in his own way Colin Kaepernick, however imperfectly, is doing a patriotic thing. And so too are some of these other players.”

Watch his entire interview on CNN's "New Day" in the video below.

By Tom Gatto

Hornets owner Michael Jordan on Sunday addressed athletes' protests of racial injustice, President Donald Trump's opinion of the protests and the athletes, and athletes' responses to Trump.

Jordan released a statement to The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer on Sunday night in response to a question about the recent controversy involving Trump and Warriors star/North Carolina native Stephen Curry:

"One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized.

"At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division.

"I support Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA, its players and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech."

Trump said Curry — a critic of the president — and the world champion Warriors are no longer welcome at the White House. Curry and his teammates had been discussing whether to attend the annual ceremony for champions; Trump said he withdrew his invitation because Curry was "hesitating."

In response, LeBron James called Trump a "bum" in a tweet and made a video statement on Uninterrupted's site.

MORE: NFL players react to Trump's 'assault on freedom of speech'

Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the topic in a first-person piece for Sports Illustrated, at one point making a direct plea to the president.

"Respectfully, Mr. Trump, the point is this: You’re the president. You represent all of us. Don’t divide us. Bring us together," Kerr said.

Also on Sunday, Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadive said in a statement that Trump's comments were "deeply disappointing."

Jordan beat his local NFL counterpart, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, in commenting, if indirectly, on Trump saying last week at a rally in Alabama that NFL players should be released for staging protests during the national anthem before games.

Richardson is one of two NFL team owners not to have made an official statement on Trump or the protests as of early Monday. The Cowboys' Jerry Jones is the other, but Jones is on record as being against the protests.

IYER: Saints stand together even as some sit

Panthers players and coaches — with the exception of defensive end Julius Peppers — stood on the sideline for the anthem prior to the team's home loss to the Saints on Sunday. Peppers stayed in the Panthers' locker room.

Tom Brady's relationship with and feelings about Donald Trump have been a source of speculation since before the 2016 presidential election.

With Trump at the forefront of the conversation around the NFL on Sunday after his criticism of the league's players the previous two days, Brady weighed in via Instagram by expressing fellowship with his fellow players.

 

Strength. Passion. Love. Brotherhood. Team. Unity. Commitment. Dedication. Determination. Respect. Loyalty. Work. #nflplayer

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Sep 24, 2017 at 6:14am PDT

The Patriots will be perhaps the most closely watched team during Sunday's national anthems. They were the first championship team to visit the Trump White House and owner Robert Kraft is a friend of the president's — though he did issue a statement earlier Sunday expressing his disappointment in Trump's recent comments.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers followed Brady's Instagram post with a similar one that contained many of the same words.

 

#unity #brotherhood #family #dedication #love #

A post shared by Aaron Rodgers (@aaronrodgers12) on Sep 24, 2017 at 6:34am PDT

Brady was one of thousands to like of respond to Rodgers' post.

By Arthur Weinstein

In the biggest development — so far — on a surreal Sunday of protests around the NFL, the Steelers opted to remain in the locker room during the national anthem prior to their game against the Bears at Soldier Field.

All except for one Steeler, that is. Offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, a U.S. Army Ranger who won a Bronze Star during three tours in Afghanistan, stood by himself outside the Steelers locker room tunnel, hand over his heart.

Villanueva's act quickly lit up social media.

Villanueva, who attended the U.S. Military Academy, played briefly with the Eagles before joining the Steelers in 2014.

By Jordan Greer

Steve Kerr has been one of President Donald Trump's biggest critics since his inauguration back in January, but the Warriors coach has recently come to the conclusion it's time to "take a different course."

In a first-person piece for Sports Illustrated (as told to SI's Chris Ballard), Kerr sent a message of unity a day after Trump tweeted he was rescinding the Warriors' White House invitation. Trump uninvited Golden State in response to star guard Stephen Curry saying Friday his vote would be to not attend. Kerr admitted it was unlikely the Warriors would have visited the White House anyway, as coaches and players didn't believe a civil discourse with the president was realistic.

Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

"In his tweet to Steph, Trump talked about honoring the White House but, really, isn’t it you who must honor the White House, Mr. President?" Kerr wrote. "And the way to do that is through compassion and dignity and being above the fray. Not causing the fray."

Kerr also touched on Trump's comments about NFL players fighting racial injustice after Trump called for the firing of "son of a bitch" protestors who didn't stand during the national anthem. Kerr said Trump's words were highly upsetting and "crushed" him. Those comments in part inspired Kerr to avoid continuing a "war of words" with the president and focus on bringing the country together.

"Remember, the president works for us, not vice versa," Kerr wrote. "We elected him. He doesn’t just work for his constituents and his base. He works for every citizen. Once you take that office, you have to do what’s best for the entire country. Sure, you’re going to have policies that align with your party, but that’s the not the point. Respectfully, Mr. Trump, the point is this: You’re the president. You represent all of us. Don’t divide us. Bring us together."

Players around the NBA voiced their support for Curry and denounced Trump after the president's tweet, including LeBron James, who called Trump a "bum." 

By Arthur Weinstein

On a Sunday when national anthem protests will be the biggest storyline in the NFL, leading to fierce debate over freedom and what it means to be an American, the first protests occured thousands of miles away on another continent.

The Jaguars and Ravens kicked off Week 3 in London's Wembley Stadium at 9:30 a.m. ET, and before the game, everyone watching in the stadium, and TV viewers "across the pond" in the states wondered what would happen.

What happened is this: Many players on both sidelines chose to kneel.

Florida Times-Union reporter Ryan O'Halloran counted 14 Jaguars kneeling during the anthem.

And the players on both sidelines who didn't kneel showed their solidarity for teammates by standing together with arms locked. Standing on the Jaguars sideline with the players: Team owner Shad Khan — who donated $1 million to President Donald Trump's inauguration fund.

The players who knelt for the national anthem stood afterward for the playing of "God Save the Queen."

By Michael McCarthy

Few reporters are more plugged into the NFL than ESPN's Adam Schefter. When Schefty talks, people listen.

During "Sunday NFL Countdown," Schefter predicted TV viewers will witness an "unprecedented" number of protests as players, coaches and even front office executives defy President Donald Trump on "Choose Your Side" Sunday.

Look for players kneeling, locking arms or raising fists in the air. Look for coaches to support their players on the field in a show of unity. Look for owners, and even front office executives, to publicly support their players.

According to Schefter, NFL teams were hard at work Saturday night planning their response to Trump's tweets, which continued Sunday morning.

"You're going to see something today that has been unprecedented before in the NFL," Schefter said. "We already saw it this with morning with Jaguars owner Shahid Khan locking arms with the players. We’re going to see more of that later on today."

Schefter referenced ESPN analyst Charles Woodson earlier declaring Sep. 24, 2017 would be "Choose Your Side" Sunday. He left no doubt about what side he and ESPN are on.

"I think everybody, without any hesitation, can say we are choosing the side of unity, civility and humanity," said Schefter.

Over on "Fox NFL Kickoff," host Charissa Thompson aired a clip I hadn't seen before from Trump's controversial address in Alabama. Besides urging fans to walk out of stadiums if they see a player protesting, the president also urged TV viewers to change the channel. That's not good news for the NFL, which suffered an eight percent drop in viewers last season.

Trump has "galvanized" the entire NFL to come together, said analyst Tony Gonzalez. Both CBS and Fox planned to air the playing of national anthems before Sunday's games.

By Marc Lancaster

The NFL will air a one-minute commercial Sunday night that emphasizes togetherness in its ranks.

Commissioner Roger Goodell tweeted a link to the ad Sunday morning on a day that figures to feature unprecedented player demonstrations after three days of criticism by President Donald Trump. The spot will run during NBC's "Sunday Night Football" broadcast of the Redskins-Raiders game.

"Inside these lines, we don't have to come from the same place to help each other reach the same destination," the voiceover on the ad says. "Inside these lines, we may have our differences, but recognize there's more that unites us."

The spot features images of the likes of Pat Tillman, Steve Gleason and Sarah Thomas, the NFL's first female official.

Goodell said the ad "reflects the unifying force of our great game, our players & clubs."

We will air this Unity spot in tonight’s game. It reflects the unifying force of our great game, our players & clubs https://t.co/koMm8q0vio

— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) September 24, 2017

By Arthur Weinstein

Rex Ryan has made it clear in recent months he is an ardent supporter of Donald Trump. In late July, he told reporters, "I think anybody who is against him now is against our country. Without question, I'm proud to be a proud supporter of Donald Trump."

But Trump's controversial remarks Friday, calling national anthem protesters in the NFL "sons of b—" and saying they should be "fired," have angered the former NFL coach and current NFL broadcaster.

"I'm pissed off," Ryan said on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown." "I supported Donald Trump. [These comments] are appalling to me... I never signed up for that.

"I'm reading these comments and it's appalling to me. Calling our players SOBs and all that kind of stuff. That's not the men that I know. The men that I know in the locker room I'm proud of. I'm proud to be associated with those people."

By Marc Lancaster

Robert Kraft's friendship with President Donald Trump only goes so far.

The Patriots owner, who donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration committee and gave him a custom Super Bowl ring, issued a strongly worded rebuke to the president Sunday morning in the wake of Trump's criticism of the NFL and its players.

"I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday," Kraft wrote. "I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities. Their efforts, both on and off the field, help bring people together and make our community stronger.

"There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics. I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons of teamwork and the importance of working together toward a common goal. Our players are intelligent, thoughtful and care deeply about our community and I support their right to peacefully affect social change and raise awareness in a manner that they feel is most impactful.”

Several NFL owners and commissioner Roger Goodell had issued statements Saturday after Trump's attacks on the players who have taken a knee in protest during the national anthem. The president criticized those protests at a rally Friday in Alabama and repeated them on Twitter both Saturday and Sunday morning.

Widespread player action is expected before Sunday's games. Patriots tackle Nate Solder tweeted earlier in the day that his team is united despite any differences of opinion among players about the protests.

The Golden State Warriors won't visit the White House, but the champions of the NHL plan to do so.

The Pittsburgh Penguins released a statement Sunday morning noting their respect for the "Office of the President" and the "long tradition" of championship teams visiting the White House and saying they have accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to do the same this year.

"Any agreement or disagreement with a president's politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways," their statement read. "However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit."

The statement came a day after Trump tweeted that the Warriors' invitation to visit the White House had been withdrawn after "hesitation" by star Stephen Curry about whether the team should go. Curry, coach Steve Kerr, and other Warriors players have been outspoken in their criticism of Trump, and Kerr wrote Sunday on SI.com that the team probably would not have gone anyway.

Later Sunday, Trump welcomed the Penguins' statement in a tweet, calling them a "Great team!"

By Arthur Weinstein

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh may have a little different perspective than others who weighed in Saturday on President Donald Trump's comments that NFL players who protest the national anthem should be fired.

Not only is he the coach of one of America's premier college football programs, as the former coach of the 49ers, he worked closely with quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the player who launched the anthem protest movement during the 2016 NFL preseason.

Following Michigan's 28-10 victory at Purdue Saturday, a reporter asked Harbaugh if he agreed with the president's remarks.

"No, I don't agree with the president," Harbaugh said (via the Toledo Blade). That's ridiculous. Check the Constitution."

Harbaugh has a complicated history on the anthem protest issue. Last year, he told reporters about Kaepernick, "I acknowledge his right to do it. But I don't respect the motivation or the action."

After that comment created a stir, the veteran coach tweeted an apology, saying, "I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin's motivation. It's his method of action that I take exception to."

By Joe Rodgers

A's rookie catcher Bruce Maxwell joined the dozens of professional athletes taking a knee before the national anthem Saturday before a matchup with the Rangers at the Oakland Coliseum. 

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Maxwell is the first MLB player to take a knee for the anthem. 

From the @sfchronicle’s Santiago Mejia, here is A’s rookie Bruce Maxwell becoming the first MLB player to take a knee for the anthem: pic.twitter.com/q8QVY9hW15

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 24, 2017

"The Oakland A’s pride ourselves on being inclusive. We respect and support all of our players’ constitutional rights and freedom of expression," the A's said in a statement Saturday. 

Maxwell is from a military family and is deeply patriotic, according to the Chronicle. He criticized President Donald Trump on Instagram before the game, saying in part, "our president speaks of inequality of man because players are protesting the anthem! F—this man!"

Maxwell, who is an African-American, was speaking out against Trump’s remarks on Friday about NFL players who kneel during the anthem. 

The NFL was a topic of focus as President Donald Trump spoke at a Republican rally Friday night in Alabama.

In particular, while discussing "American values," the president started off on a tangent about social activism in the NFL and how players' demonstrations during the national anthem before games are affecting television ratings and "ruining the game."

Donald Trump says NFL owners should "fire" players who protest the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/sjwcemP60o

— Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 23, 2017

Here are Trump's comments in full.

Upon hearing the remarks, a few NFL players past and present responded on social media.

pic.twitter.com/Xumc820Yj3

— Connor Barwin (@ConnorBarwin98) September 23, 2017

I'm proud of my fellow players past, present, and future . . . and everything they do in their communities to make the world better.

— Connor Barwin (@ConnorBarwin98) September 23, 2017

The behavior of the President is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. If you do not Condemn this divisive Rhetoric you are Condoning it!!

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 23, 2017

Where was Trumps "son of a bitch" comments when the racists gathered in Charlottesville?! He spoke about them in a respectable way smh

— Jermon Bushrod (@j_bushrod7475) September 23, 2017

It's really sad man ... our president is a asshole

— Lesean McCoy (@CutonDime25) September 23, 2017

Trump stay in ur place... football have nothing to do wit u smh

— Zach Brown (@ZachBrown_55) September 23, 2017

Trump!! 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) September 23, 2017

Smh! Gives more reason https://t.co/TyVCJgQK0L

— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43) September 23, 2017

I’m actually glad Trump said what he did. Publicly with an audience . Once again it empowers the players to live their truth . Show colors.

— Ryan Grant (@RyanGrant25) September 23, 2017

I know, when the ratings change my joints actually hurt more. I thought it was arthritis but turns out it was the ratings. Please be gentle. https://t.co/FAPmuY1DSb

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) September 23, 2017

Yet you voted (presumably) for someone famous solely for being a millionaire. https://t.co/v0eGer5xEX

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) September 23, 2017

cloth has more value than people. apparently. https://t.co/PZjeRA9861

— feeno (@ArianFoster) September 23, 2017

Continue to use your voices and your platforms for racial equality and to stop injustices in our communities. This is bigger than us!!! ✊🏿

— Michael Thomas (@Michael31Thomas) September 23, 2017

“Stick to sports boy... Sit down and do what your told. Say or do something we don’t like and your fired” Well I hate to break it to ya...

— Chris Conley (@_flight17_) September 23, 2017

When will people learn that fear won’t make someone sit down. It quite possibly will make more stand up for what they believe in.

— Chris Conley (@_flight17_) September 23, 2017

I’m done tweeting tonight. All I hope is that we can learn from even this. Love y’all. Even those that disagree with me. 🙏🏿

— Chris Conley (@_flight17_) September 23, 2017

Get ya mans 😎 pic.twitter.com/itKF9rANIM

— charles johnson (@randywattson) September 23, 2017

Does anyone tell trump to stick to politics, like they tell us to stick to sports? Smh.

— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) September 23, 2017

The NFL and its players' union also issued statements Saturday morning.

NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith vowed the union "can never back down" and players "no longer can afford to stick to sports." The league's statement indirectly issued a rebuke of Trump's comments, but was criticized for failing to name the president directly.

Trump's speech comes two days after Yahoo Sports released a letter sent to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell by four players asking for the league to support movements advocating for social justice by dedicating November "to serve as a month of Unity for individual teams to engage and impact the community in their market."

The letter, signed by the Eagles' Malcolm Jenkins and Torrey Smith, the Seahawks' Michael Bennett and former Bills wide receiver Anquan Boldin, elicited a public response by the NFL Wednesday, but it has not said whether it will honor the players' request.

By Brandon Schlager

In response to a public and profane request by Donald Trump to have NFL players "fired" for protesting social justice issues during the national anthem, executives from a haldful of teams on Saturday condemned the president's remarks in strongly worded statements of support toward player activism.

"Comments like we heard last night from the president are inappropriate, offensive and divisive," Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch said in a joint message issued Saturday morning. "We are proud of our players, the vast majority of whom use their NFL platform to make a positive difference in our society."

By the afternoon, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross followed suit, calling for unity in society and the NFL.

MORE: NFL players react to Donald Trump's comments about anthem protests

"Our country needs unifying leadership right now, not more divisiveness," read the statement, distributed via the Dolphins' official Twitter handle . "We need to seek to understand each other and have civil discourse instead of condemnation and sound bites. I know our players who kneeled for the anthem and these are smart young men of character who want to make our world a better place for everyone.

"They wanted to start a conversation and are making a difference in our community, including working with law enforcement to bring people together. We all can benefit from learning, listening and respecting each other. Sports is a common denominator in our world. We all have the responsibility to use this platform to promote understanding, respect and equality."

Jed York, the 49ers' CEO, said the team "will continue to work toward bringing communities, and those who serve them, closer together."

"The callous and offensive comments made by the President are contradictory to what this great country stands for," York wrote in the statement, posted to his personal Twitter handle. "Our players have exercised their rights as United States citizens in order to spark conversation and action to address social injustice. We will continue to support them in their peaceful pursuit of positive change in our country and around the world."

Trump made his comments Friday night during a Republican rally in Huntsville, Ala., in part blaming player protests for the NFL's television ratings decline. The president previously has singled out controversial free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem as a demonstration against the treatment of people of color in America.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a b— off the field right now. He is fired,'" Trump said at the rally.

Dozens of players past and present used their platforms to respond, mostly in opposition, to Trump's speech overnight and throughout Saturday morning.

The NFL followed with a more general message issued on behalf of commissioner Roger Goodell, who, without specifically naming Trump, called his comments "divisive" but avoided the subject of player protests.

"The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. … Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities."

Goodell previously has voiced support of players' rights to protest and asked fans to respect those rights.

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith backed the players more pointedly in his response to the Trump comments.

On Twitter, Trump doubled and then tripled down on his message following the NFL's statement. He also attacked the NBA champion Warriors, revoking their invitation to visit the White House after star Stephen Curry said Friday that the team likely would not attend.

If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

...our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.Tell them to stand!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

Here are statements from more NFL owners and executives as they filter in:

Steelers president Art Rooney II

"I believe the Commissioner made an appropriate statement, and I have nothing to add at this time."

Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy

"It's unfortunate that the President decided to use his immense platform to make divisive and offensive statements about our players and the NFL. We strongly believe that players are leaders in our communities and positive influences. They have achieved their positions through tremendous work and dedications and should be celebrated for their success and positive impact. We believe it is important to support any of our players who choose to peacefully express themselves with the hope of change for good. As Americans, we are fortunate to be able to speak openly and freely." 

Titans owner Amy Adams

"I am proud to stand with our players and support them in their work on and off the football field. I completely agree with Commissioner Goodell that we are better off as a nation when we are unified and pulling together. I have seen that kind of attitude first-hand in Tennessee and across our country in the many benevolent and public-spirited efforts of our NFL players, often without any public recognition.

"Our players make public contributions day-in and day-out and when I hear anyone making disparaging remarks about them, I know it has to be the result of not knowing what they bring to our communities or what they have accomplished.”

Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula

"Several of us met tonight (Saturday) — players, coaches, staff, and ownership. Our goal was to provide open dialogue and communication. We listended to one another. We believe it's the best way to work through any issue we are facing — on and off the field. President Trump's remarks were divisive and disrespectful to the entire NFL community, but we tried to use them as an opportunity to further unify our team and our organization.

"Our players have the freedom to express themselves in a respectful and thoughtful manner and we all agreed that our sole message is to provide and to promote an environment that is focused on love and equality."

Colts owner Jim Irsay

“I am troubled by the President’s recent comments about our league and our players. Sports in America have the unique ability to bring people from all walks of life and from different points of view together to work toward or root for a common goal, and the Indianapolis Colts are proud to be a part of that tradition in our home city and state. 

"The vast majority of players in the NFL — especially those who have worn and continue to wear the Horseshoe — have donated millions of dollars to charities, raised money for those affected by recent hurricanes, created charitable foundations, visited schools, mentored students, worked in homeless shelters, cleaned up parks, and put in hours of their personal time toward improving their communities and the lives of those around them. 

"That’s the spirit in which this nation was founded, and we all need to work tirelessly to bring people together to take on the challenges that face us and give back to the people of our communities. More so than any result on the field, that is a common goal worth rooting for.” 

By Jordan Heck

The Warriors had planned to meet as a team and decide whether they wanted to go to the White House. Kevin Durant had previously said he doesn't want to go, and Stephen Curry said the same on Friday. So on Saturday morning, Donald Trump tweeted the team is no longer invited.

Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

For clarity, Curry was not "hesitating." He said, verbatim, “I don’t want to go."

MORE: NFL players react to Donald Trump's comments

Following Trump's tweet, several people in the sports world reacted, but perhaps the most noticeable voice was from LeBron James who called Trump a "bum" in a Twitter response.

U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017

James issued a more in-depth response in a video later in the day.

"It’s not about dividing," James said. "We as American people need to come together even stronger."

"It’s not about dividing. We as American people need to come together even stronger.” — @KingJames responds to @realDonaldTrump’s comments. pic.twitter.com/UHpzXpb42K

— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) September 23, 2017

Of course James wasn't the only NBA player to have a reaction. Members of the Warriors, and other players chimed in on Trump's tweet throughout Saturday afternoon.

NBA players respond to Donald Trump on Twitter

With everything that's going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who's kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane

— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017

And I doubt he's man enough to call any of those players a son of a bitch to their face...

— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017

Still wondering how this guy is running our country.... 🤔🤔🤔

— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) September 23, 2017

A #POTUS who's name alone creates division and anger. Who's words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again"

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 23, 2017

😂😂😂😂

— David West (@D_West30) September 23, 2017

You won't @ him tho 😴😴😴 https://t.co/6qoP5zoe0y

— James Michael McAdoo (@jamesmcadoo) September 23, 2017

How you gonna withdraw an invite that somebody already said they weren't attending? 🤔🤡

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) September 23, 2017

Your a Clown 🤡. @realDonaldTrump - and yo dumbass fired !! @StephenCurry30

For President !!!

— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) September 23, 2017

As Trump continues to make comments about sports stars, expect those very same players to make their own comments to defend themselves. 

Trump also issued a follow-up response on his Twitter account, but it was directed more towards NFL players: 

If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!"

Expect much more back-and-forth as this continues.

By Skylar Rolstad

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed disappointment that the Golden State Warriors will not visit the White House to celebrate their 2017 NBA title in a statement released Saturday evening. 

“I was in favor of the team visiting the White House and thought it was a rare opportunity for these players to share their views directly with the President," Silver's statement reads.

"I am disappointed that that will not happen. More importantly, I am proud of our players for taking an active role in their communities and continuing to speak out on critically important issues."

MORE: Steph Curry responds to Trump withdrawing White House invitation

The NBA Players Association released this statement on Saturday in support of free speech for NBA players.

On behalf of the NBPA: pic.twitter.com/doWOQPWTSF

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) September 23, 2017

Trump tweeted Saturday to withdraw the White House invitation from the Warriors in response to Stephen Curry telling ESPN on Friday that he didn't want to visit the White House because of disagreements with the president's policies.

Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

The Warriors also released a statement Saturday similar to Silver and the NBAPA's remarks.

The tweet from Trump about Curry — plus other tweets Saturday that were critical of NFL players who kneel in protest during the national anthem — prompted widespread criticism from athletes throughout the day on Saturday. Most notably, LeBron James called Trump a "bum."

U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017

By Joe Rodgers

Warriors star Stephen Curry hinted Friday he would vote not to visit the White House for the team's visit, which prompted Donald Trump to cancel their invite Saturday, and lead many NBA players including LeBron James to speak out against the president. 

“It was amazing to see all of these guys (NBA players) rally around each other. That’s what this about," Curry told the Washington Post Saturday. “I commend and applaud everyone that’s spoken up. That’s what we are supposed to do. It’s really important."

Curry told reporters Friday during the Warriors' media day that if it were up to him, a decision on whether or not to visit the White House would be a "short conversation." 

"By not going, hopefully that will inspire some change in terms of what we tolerate in this country," Curry said Friday.

It was reported in June that Warriors players had unanimously voted against accepting a White House invite after their NBA Finals win over the Cavaliers.  

“My stance is the same as yesterday, and maybe cemented even further," Curry said Saturday. “I’ve played golf with President Obama. I don’t think I’ll be getting a tee time with this administration, to say the least.”

James labeled Trump "a bum" Saturday after he uninvited Curry and the Warriors from visiting the White House, a condemnation Curry strongly respects. 

"I laughed because I’ve heard that said in pickup games a lot, it’s a bold statement," Curry said of James, adding it was courageous for anyone to speak up like he did, “let alone with someone with as much to lose as him.”

On Saturday afternoon, the Warriors issued a statement in which they said the president "had made it clear" they're not invited to the White House, which the team said left it disappointed that it wouldn't have a chance to share views "on issues impacting our communities."

The Warriors' statement:

“President Trump has made it clear that we are not invited. We believe there is nothing more American than our citizens having the right to express themselves freely on matters important to them. We’re disappointed that we did not have an opportunity during this process to share our views or have open dialogue on issues impacting our communities that we felt important to raise.

“In lieu of a visit to the White House, we have decided that we’ll constructively use our trip to the nation’s capital in February to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion — the values that we embrace as an organization.”