Florida State Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) came under fire Sunday for slamming National Football League quarterback Colin Kaepernick in a tweet about the death of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez.

"To all who will kneel during the anthem today - just remember how Jose Fernandez risked his life just for the chance to stand for it," Gaetz tweeted Sunday morning.

To all who will kneel during the anthem today - just remember how Jose Fernandez risked his life just for the chance to stand for it — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 25, 2016

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Fernandez was killed early Sunday morning in a boating accident in Florida.

Kaepernick, a San Francisco 49ers player, has faced criticism from many, including some Republican lawmakers, for refusing to stand during the national anthem in protest of police brutality against African-Americans.

But Gaetz's tweet Sunday comparing the athletes drew backlash from people on social media.

Guess Mr. Gaetz woke up asking himself, "how can I appropriate a terrible tragedy for my political gain?" https://t.co/iZeRfWZ0T7 — Ben Horner (@benhorner13) September 25, 2016

That Matt Gaetz take is the coldest take of the month and it's not even close. — Jacoby Brisket (@TeamThirstTrap) September 25, 2016

Gaetz shot back at his critics and defended his point. He also praised Fernandez and offered his condolences to the player's family.