WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the National Football League should not be given tax breaks, wading back into his criticism of the league over silent player protests during the national anthem.
“Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!” Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.
It was not clear what exactly Trump was demanding, and representatives for the White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
The NFL gave up its federal tax-exempt status in 2015, according to media reports, although U.S. states and localities still offer the multi-billion dollar league tax breaks in order to attract teams and to finance stadiums.
Trump has been on a tear for weeks against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem played before games, saying the gesture disrespects the country. His strongly worded call last month for players who did this to be fired touched off an initially sharp response, including from some team owners and coaches.
The players’ silent demonstration, which began last year in protest against police violence toward racial minorities, was embraced more widely in reaction to Trump’s more recent comments, with more players taking the knee while others chose to lock arms.
A number of Republican lawmakers suggested in September that tax sweeteners should end given the protests, the Washington Post reported.
On Sunday, Vice President Mike Pence walked out of an NFL game after some players knelt. Separately, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would bench players who disrespect the U.S. flag.
On Monday, cable sports network ESPN was drawn into the fray when it suspended one of its broadcasters after she posted a tweet about the protests and Jones’ comment.
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