Robert Kraft is one of six NFL owners to donate at least $1 million to the Donald Trump campaign when he was running for president. But that hasn’t stopped the New England Patriots owner from sounding off on Trump’s weekend tirade regarding the NFL and its players.
On Sunday morning, the Patriots took to social media to share a statement written by Robert Kraft.
The statement condemned Trump’s actions, which Kraft say “disappointed” him, before urging the president and other politicians to take lessons from the sports world about how to unify people.
“There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics,” Kraft said. “I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons of teamwork and of the importance of working together toward a common goal.”
Other teams to issue statements regarding Trump’s comments include the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers. It is also expected that we could see widespread protests across the league today.
Kraft’s full statement can be read below:
Statement from #Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft: pic.twitter.com/f5DJeK0Woj
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 24, 2017
“I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday. I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities. Their efforts, both on and off the field, help bring people together and make our community stronger. There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics. I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons of teamwork and of the importance of working together toward a common goal. Our players are intelligent, thoughtful and care deeply about our community and I support their right to peacefully affect social change and raise awareness in a manner that they feel is most impactful.”
The Patriots take on the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
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