Donald Trump returns to Twitter to comment on NFL protests, discuss race

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Show Caption Hide Caption What we learned NFL Week 3: Protests in spotlight SportsPulse: NFL insider Jarrett Bell on how the football world responded to President Trump's comments on national anthem protests, as well as how Week 3 of the season was full of upsets and wild finishes.

President Trump was back on Twitter early Monday morning, and he's still talking sports.

Trump's tweets touched on race, fans booing NFL players and his support for the NASCAR community.

Trump said that kneeling "has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem."

The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

He also claimed that many people booed the NFL players who kneeled in protest on Sunday.

Later on Monday, Trump claimed the league was facing a "tremendous backlash." He also took aim at a CNN report saying White House chief of staff John Kelly was unhappy with the continued attack on players.

.@CNN is #FakeNews. Just reported COS (John Kelly) was opposed to my stance on NFL players disrespecting FLAG, ANTHEM, COUNTRY. Total lie! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

General John Kelly totally agrees w/ my stance on NFL players and the fact that they should not be disrespecting our FLAG or GREAT COUNTRY! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

Tremendous backlash against the NFL and its players for disrespect of our Country.#StandForOurAnthem🇺🇸 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

NFL players and owners alike pushed back against Trump's original comments made at a rally in Alabama on Friday, where Trump said any players who protest the national anthem should be fired. A series of tweets on the subject followed from Trump's official Twitter account.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Trump's comments "divisive" and said they showed "an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players." Players and owners from around the NFL on Sunday responded in various ways, many locking arms, several kneeling while some teams remained in the locker room during the anthem.

More: In wake of President Trump's harsh words, it's time for NFL owners to sign Colin Kaepernick

NASCAR backs Trump: NASCAR owners side with Trump, take firm stance against anthem protests

Protests: NFL player protests sweep league after President Donald Trump's hostile remarks

Many people booed the players who kneeled yesterday (which was a small percentage of total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

Trump also had a shout-out on Monday for the NASCAR community. On Sunday, several NASCAR owners said they stood with Trump and took a firm stance against anthem protests.

Richard Childress, who was Dale Earnhardt's longtime team owner, said of protesting: "It'll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus." Childress said he told his team that "anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America."

When asked if a protester at Richard Petty Motorsports would be fired, he said, "You're right."

So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans. They won't put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag - they said it loud and clear! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017

NASCAR chairman Brian France created a firestorm in the sport when he endorsed Trump last year. France's efforts to quell criticism over what he insisted was a "personal and private" decision were complicated by Trump's continued mentioning of how he received "NASCAR's endorsement."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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