At least one NFL team is putting its foot-down after an entire season of professional athletes choosing to “take a knee” during the performance of the US national anthem; intentionally avoiding free-agents who disrespected the American flag.

According to Fox News, the Houston Texans are reportedly refusing to hire protesting players that made national headlines throughout the 2017 season. Two agents responsible for connecting prospective players with NFL management say the Texans “aren’t interested” in players who “took a knee.”

“I spoke with two NFL agents this week who said word is the Texans aren’t interested in any players who participated in pregame kneel-downs in protest of police brutality,” writes the Houston Chronicle.

“There is no directive within the organization, but it is considered to be understood that as desperate as the Texans are to bring in talent, the pool of potential signees and draftees will not include anyone who has participated in protests or are likely to,” the author adds.

President Trump thrust the issue of protesting players into the national headlines last year, urging a national boycott of the “disgraceful” league until NFL officials and owners cracked down on athletes who disrespect the flag.