The director of the Michigan State Police has apologized after a social media post calling athletes who protest during the national anthem “anti-American degenerates” sparked calls for her resignation.

“It was a mistake to share this message on Facebook and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended,” Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said in a statement Tuesday, posted on the MSP Facebook page. “I will continue my focus on the unity at the Michigan State Police and in communities across Michigan.”

Col. Etue reportedly shared a message on her personal Facebook page Sunday calling NFL players who kneel or raise a fist to protest racial injustice in America “millionaire ingrates who hate America and disrespect our armed forces and veterans.” She characterized them as “a bunch of rich, entitled, arrogant, ungrateful, anti-American degenerates,” the Detroit Free Press reported.

The backlash was swift against Col. Etue for the post, sparking calls by the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and the Michigan National Action Network to resign or be fired from her job.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Snyder, however, said Col. Etue’s apology is sufficient.

“The Colonel said she made a mistake and publicly apologized,” Anna Heaton said in an email to the Free Press. “She has served with distinction as an outstanding public servant for decades. The Governor will not be asking her to resign.”

Col. Etue’s Facebook page is no longer accessible.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.