Kraft says he’s ‘deeply disappointed’ by Trump’s remarks on NFL players

Patriots owner Robert Kraft on the sidelines before the game. on Sunday.Jim Davis/Globe Staff

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he’s “deeply disappointed by the tone” of President Trump’s comments about NFL players.

Trump in a speech on Friday said that NFL owners should fire players who disrespect the American flag, apparently referring to players who have knelt during the National Anthem as a protest. His remarks, which he added to later on Twitter, have sparked a firestorm of controversy.

Kraft is a long-time friend of Trump’s.

“I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the president’s comments on Friday,” Kraft said in a statement posted on the Patriots’ Twitter account.

“I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons of teamwork and the importance of working together toward a common goal,” he said.

“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.”

Statement from #Patriots Chairman & CEO Robert Kraft: pic.twitter.com/f5DJeK0Woj

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 24, 2017