President Trump supports NFL players linking arms during national anthem

'Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable,' Trump says

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump responded Sunday on Twitter to NFL players kneeling and locking arms during the national anthem.

The president backed those who linked arms with each other, while he called kneeling "bad."

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"Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!" Trump tweeted.

Later, the president tweeted that the American flag must be honored and respected because "Courageous Patriots have fought and died."

Trump recently said that NFL players who kneel for the national anthem should be fired.

The comments caused backlash, as well as support, that led to controversies and tensions as game day kicked off Sunday.

Detroit Lions players linked arms, while several others kneeled during the national anthem. 

Members of the Baltimore Ravens kneeled while the Jacksonville Jaguars linked arms before their matchup, while Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said his team would stay in the locker room during the national anthem.