Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler discussed the hottest topic in the world of sports/politics and offered his thoughts on President Trump’s recent comments.
“Some of the language that [Trump] used referencing NFL players, I think that was the last straw for a lot of guys, whichever way they feel about it,” Wheeler told the media.
On Friday, Trump shocked many when he called for NFL owners to fire players who protest during the national anthem referring to a player that does so as a “son of a bitch”.
Trump continued his behavior over the weekend when he “took back” a White House “invitation” for the Golden State Warriors because Steph Curry said he didn’t want to go; however, the team had never received an official invitation.
Wheeler took issue with Trump.
“I think crossing over into the sports world, it hits home a little more,” Wheeler said.
“I think a lot of people, similar to my wife and I, it has been kind of a slow boil. The rhetoric over and over, he has just kind of gone a little too far too many times. It just felt right to take a stance.”
Wheeler was then asked about his position if teammates started kneeling during the anthem.
“I’m absolutely for the first amendment. I’m a big believer that that’s what makes America a special place is you’re allowed to stand up for what you believe in” Wheeler said.
“With just cause, if somebody were electing to do that, they would 100 percent have my support.
“Even if I don’t necessarily agree with why they do it it’s their right to feel that way. It’s their right to behave that way. If I didn’t agree with it, I would absolutely sit down and have a coffee and talk about it, try to understand why they feel that way, and maybe you become a little more sympathetic to different people.”
