Rev. Jesse Jackson said President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE’s criticism of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem were an example of the “slave-master-servant mentality" in a interview with The New York Times.

“They should all kneel, not against the flag, but against the interference by Mr. Trump with their First Amendment rights,” Jackson said.

“If the cotton pickers don’t pick cotton, the industry doesn’t move; the N.F.L. and N.B.A. players don’t play the game, it doesn’t move.”

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Jackson’s comments follow Trump’s weekend criticism of NFL players who choose to kneel during “The Star-Spangled Banner," a protest started by quarterback Colin Kaepernick as a statement against racial injustice.

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

The remarks from Trump led to widespread protests at NFL games across the county on Sunday, as well as criticism from athletes in multiple professional sports leagues.

The president doubled down on his position, saying those who do not stand for the anthem are disrespecting the United States.

In comments to reporters on Sunday, Trump insisted his criticism of the NFL players is not about race.

“This has nothing to do with race. I never said anything about race. This has nothing to do with race or anything else. This has to do with respect for our country and respect for our flag,” Trump said.