President Donald Trump fields reporters' questions at the White House. REUTERS/Carlos Barria President Donald Trump on Wednesday continued to unleash on the NFL despite backlash to his call for owners to fire players protesting police brutality and racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.

Speaking with reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, the president mocked the league's television ratings.

"The NFL is in a box, a really bad box," Trump said, speaking with reporters outside the White House.

"In my opinion, the NFL has to change or their business is going to go to hell," he said.

Players, coaches, and owners have spoken out against Trump's criticism of protesting players. During a rally Friday, Trump ignited controversy when he said NFL owners should fire any "son of a bitch" who kneels during the anthem.

The president and his top allies have continued to defend his comments, saying kneeling players are disrespecting the American flag and national anthem.

In a freewheeling process before a trip to Indiana similar to other impromptu exchanges, the president also made other notable comments.

Trump said he was not pleased with Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price following reports on his use of government-funded private jets. When asked whether he would fire Price, Trump said, "We will see."