Trump
President Donald Trump attacked the NFL over the weekend. Tom Pennington/GETTY

President Donald Trump made his distaste for NFL players who kneel in protest during the national anthem clear over the weekend. Trump also attacked the NFL for allowing players to protest, despite receiving campaign and inauguration contributions from NFL owners, several of which fired statemnts back.

Trump kicked the controversy off Friday at a rally in Alabama.

“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's fired,’” said Trump.

Despite condemnation from players, owners and others, Trump backed up is Friday comments on Twitter over the weekend.

“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!” said Trump across two tweets Saturday.

Trump even suggested people boycott the NFL.

“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!” said Trump Sunday.

Many players kneeled Sunday in protest to Trump’s words, some linked arms.

Trump weighed in on Twitter in the middle of the day

“Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings! ” said Trump.

New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft was one voice chiding the president for his remarks in a statement Sunday.

“I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday,” said Kraft in a statement. “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.”

Kraft, however, was one of eight NFL executives to donate to Trump’s inauguration festivities. Kraft gave $1 million. Jets owner Woody Johnson also gave $1 million to Trump’s inauguration. Johnson donated during the campaign and fundraised for Trump. For his service, Johnson was nominated and confirmed as the ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Dallas Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones gave $1 million to Trump’s inauguration through one of his corporate entities. The owner of Washington D.C.’s NFL team, Dan Snyder, donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration.

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan, who linked arms in solidarity with his players Sunday, gave Trump’s inauguration $1 million. Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, donated to the inauguration and gave Trump $2 million during the campaign. Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke gave $1 million to the inauguration. Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner Edward Glazer, gave $250,000 to the inauguration and also donated during the campaign.​