Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota called for a boycott of the National Football League over a rule change prohibiting players from kneeling in protest during America’s national anthem.

After controversy marred the 2017–2018 season due to protesting players, the league is requiring players to either stand for the anthem or remain in the locker room until the anthem is over.

The new policy means teams will have to pay a fine if players kneel or sit on the field during the anthem.

Ellison, the deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee, called for a boycott of the NFL in a tweet on Sunday. (RELATED: Keith Ellison Attended Multiple Meetings With Anti-Semite Farrakhan While In Congress)

“Friends who know me, know that I love football,” wrote Ellison. “But I won’t be watching this NFL season because of the unfair cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban. #BoycottNFL.” (RELATED: Keith Ellison Once Said Black People Don’t Have ‘Obligation’ To Obey Government)

Follow Peter Hasson on Twitter @PeterJHasson

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.