DETROIT – Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford responded Sunday in a statement after President Donald Trump said NFL players should stand for the national anthem or be fired.

Ford linked arms with players on the sidelines before Sunday's game. Several players kneeled during the national anthem.

READ: Detroit Lions players link arms, kneel before game after Trump's comments about firing NFL players

Read the full statement below:

Our game has long provided a powerful platform for dialogue and positive change in many communities throughout our nation.

Thanks primarily to our players, the NFL also has been a unifying force in our country and impactful change has and hopefully will continue to be the result of peaceful expression, done so in order to highlight social injustices of all kind.

Negative and disrespectful comments suggesting otherwise are contrary to the founding principles of our country, and we do not support those comments or opinions.

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