On Friday night, President Trump took aim at the NFL and its players during a speech in Alabama, calling any player who protests during the national anthem a “son of a bitch” who should be “fired.”
Then Saturday, Trump kept up his foray into the sports world, when he responded to comments by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who has made it clear that he’s not interested in a traditional White House trip for the NBA champions.
NFL and NBA players reacted swiftly on social media to both incidents:
Ppl said it was disrespectful not going to the White House..I’m sure they are quiet about us being called “sons of bitches” 🤦🏿♂️(D-Mac)
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) September 23, 2017
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
The behavior of the President is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. If you do not Condemn this divisive Rhetoric you are Condoning it!!
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 23, 2017
Bingo Was a son of a bitch. AirBud was a son of a bitch Beethoven Balto Wishbone, Scooby Doo all sons of bitches. Martellus Bennett is not.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) September 23, 2017
I do not have a master and neither does my mother.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) September 23, 2017
I'm ok with being fired for what I believe in.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) September 23, 2017
The idea of @realDonaldTrump thinking that suggesting firing me from football, confirms that he thinks that it's all I can do as a Black man
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) September 23, 2017
Let's take away the one thing that a black man can do. That'll set em straight. Naw bruh. We diverse. We aren't just field niggas anymore.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) September 23, 2017
I'll jump when I want. I'll sit when I want. I'll kneel when I want. I'll clap. Sing. Flip and I'll say what I want. You ain't DeeBo.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) September 23, 2017
With everything that's going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who's kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
And I doubt he's man enough to call any of those players a son of a bitch to their face...
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again"
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 23, 2017
My statement: pic.twitter.com/xxX6LRI92f
— Eric Winston (@ericwinston) September 23, 2017
Still wondering how this guy is running our country.... 🤔🤔🤔
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) September 23, 2017
Dell Curry, father of @StephenCurry30, to ESPN. pic.twitter.com/yWUpJp4hQM
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 23, 2017
"Sons of bitches" huh! This presidency is a joke
— D'Qwell Jackson (@DQ52) September 23, 2017
It's really sad man ... our president is a asshole
— Lesean McCoy (@CutonDime25) September 23, 2017
Your a Clown 🤡. @realDonaldTrump - and yo dumbass fired !! @StephenCurry30
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) September 23, 2017
For President !!!
Does anyone tell trump to stick to politics, like they tell us to stick to sports? Smh.
— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) September 23, 2017
When will people learn that fear won’t make someone sit down. It quite possibly will make more stand up for what they believe in.
— Chris Conley (@_flight17_) September 23, 2017
Only validates @Kaepernick7 bringing social injustice to light, he kneeled hoping it'd bring attention to what he believed in... Has it not?
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) September 23, 2017
Continue to use your voices and your platforms for racial equality and to stop injustices in our communities. This is bigger than us!!! ✊🏿
— Michael Thomas (@Michael31Thomas) September 23, 2017
So the BLACK NFL PLAYERS are SON OF A BITCH now WOW
— Chris Baker (@cbakerswaggy) September 23, 2017
#Kaepernick we riding with you bro ✊🏾
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) September 23, 2017
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) September 23, 2017
I hope more players kneel https://t.co/FjBHNhESh0
— Terrance Knighton (@MisterRoast98) September 23, 2017
It is a sad day when the #POTUS seeks to disregard and punish American citizens for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights. https://t.co/QPvrKDS29D
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) September 23, 2017