WASHINGTON - Florida Rep. Brian Mast, a veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan, says any NFL player that takes a knee during the national anthem “should already be gone,” adopting the stance of President Donald Trump.
“The NFL doles out penalties for celebrating a touchdown, but won’t require respect for our flag?” Mast, R-Palm City, wrote Monday on Facebook. “I have taken a knee after jumping out of a helicopter as we looked for the enemy, taken a knee in front of the Soldiers Cross as we mourned a fallen brother and taken a knee in church. Any player who has taken a knee to protest this great country during its anthem should already be gone.”
The post drew a range of reactions.
“I’m sorry, but I disagree with you,” one man wrote. “You are making it about the flag and not the message that is in our anthem where it’s supposed to be equality for all and when that isn’t happening even though in your countries anthem says it should be, is what these players are protesting.”
Another said: “My son looks up to real American Heroes like Congressman Brian Mast. Those who hijack the American Flag for their protest fail to see what makes America great. The flag is about United We Stand. To disrespect it is to do a disservice to whatever point you are trying to make. I’m so glad that my child sees these cowards for what they are. They need to use their money and good health to improve America, not divide it.”
