NFL commissioner Roger Goodell apologized on behalf of the league for not listening to its players' calls for social justice and will now have to provide an answer to an instigating voice on the issue. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Donald Trump takes aim at Roger Goodell over anthem debate

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/8/20

It appears that Donald Trump has an issue with Roger Goodell's video admitting the NFL failed with how it dealt with player protests of police brutality and racism.

Trump reopened the debate surrounding kneeling during the national anthem and took specific aim at Goodell in the process. The NFL Commissioner pledged the league would do better and even encouraged players to "peacefully protest" which spurred Trump's response via social media.

We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv
— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020

Could it be even remotely possible that in Roger Goodell’s rather interesting statement of peace and reconciliation, he was intimating that it would now be O.K. for the players to KNEEL, or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country & our Flag?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020

Goodell didn't discuss kneeling, the national anthem or the American flag in his video, but the topics have been disputed between the league and Trump in the past.

In 2017, Trump encouraged teams to release players who knelt during the national anthem while making a speech in Alabama and has stood pat on that stance ever since.

Goodell's video message was in response to a series of requests from the NFL's biggest stars including Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr. in which the players asked the league to condemn racism and admit wrongdoing in previous attempts to silence peaceful protests.

#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/sfwF9Uvgaa
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 5, 2020

The entire discussion from NFL players, Goodell and Trump ignited after the death of George Floyd who died in police custody two weeks ago.

The 46-year-old Floyd was pinned to the ground by Chauvin, who then proceeded to kneel on his neck, preventing Floyd from breathing. Floyd pleaded for his life and told Chauvin he couldn't breathe, but Chauvin refused to move, as the video showed.

Floyd was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Chauvin was arrested last Friday on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. On June 3, Chauvin's charge was upgraded to second-degree murder, and three other now-former officers who were on the scene are facing charges.

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