FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Dont'a Hightower and Malcolm Butler were among the nearly dozen Patriots players who took a knee during the national anthem on Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium.
Others on the team stood, but were locked arm in arm, including Quarterback Tom Brady. Brady stood arm and arm with Wide Receiver Phillip Dorsett.
Tom Brady arm and arm with Phillip Dorsett. pic.twitter.com/IBIQvC7gNr
— Chad Amaral (@Chad_Amaral) September 24, 2017
Coach Bill Belichick remained standing, though separate from the rest of the team.
Part of the crowd booed the players taking a knee during the Star Spangled Banner.
The Houston Texans all stood, with their arms locked for the duration of the song.
Several other NFL teams have been standing arm in arm during the National Anthem Sunday following President Donald Trump's comments about the trend of players taking a knee during the National Anthem.
"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired,'" said Trump.
On Sunday, Trump tweeted, calling for a boycott of the games in order to see a change.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Following Trump's comments and tweets, several NFL teams, owners and players have made statements.
Tom Brady posted on Instagram, calling for unity.
"There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics," said CEO owner Robert Kraft.
About a dozen #patriots #TakeAKnee & #patsfans boo #Texans all stood locked arms @boston25 @Bos25Sports @JacquiHeinrich @TomLeyden pic.twitter.com/r8niLLn39S
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) September 24, 2017
Tom Brady arm and arm with Phillip Dorsett. pic.twitter.com/IBIQvC7gNr
— Chad Amaral (@Chad_Amaral) September 24, 2017
Audible boos from the crowd at Gillette following about half the team taking a knee during the National Anthem.
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) September 24, 2017
Pats owner Robert Kraft responds to President Trump's attack on players who protest during National Anthem. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/vtiVvCBw1A
— Jason Law (@JasonLawNews) September 24, 2017
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