Monday 9 October 2017 20:47, UK
US Vice President Mike Pence's walkout of an NFL game in Indiana on Sunday looked like "a PR stunt", says San Francisco 49ers' Eric Reid.
Pence left Sunday's game between the Indianapolis Colts and the 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium after more than 20 of the 49ers players knelt during the national anthem.
Pence said in a statement: "I left today's Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
"At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve and resilience, now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us.
"While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem.
"I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem."
However, defensive safety Reid, who has been with the 49ers since 2013, questioned Pence's true motives.
"This looks like a PR stunt to me," the 25-year-old told reporters.
"He knew that we were the team that had had the most protests, he knew that we were probably going to do it again and so this is what systemic oppression looks like.
"A man of power comes to the games, tweets a couple of things out and leaves the game with an attempt to thwart our efforts."
Trump tweeted later: "I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country.
"I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen."
Kneeling during the anthem before NFL games began last year as a symbolic protest against perceived police violence and racial injustice.
The protests were started by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and have become a source of huge controversy in the USA this year after President Trump called on owners to fire players who participate in them.
