While safety Eric Reid didn’t play in the game, he had plenty to say about Vice President Mike Pence leaving Lucas Oil Stadium after several 49ers knelt for the national anthem. That kneeling group included Reid, who continued a protest he began last year with former quarterback Colin Kaepernick to highlight police brutality and racial injustice.
“My honest reaction — first of all, does anyone know the last time he’s been to a football game?” Reid wondered. “With that being said, he tweeted out a three-year-old photo of him at a Colts game. From the information I have, the last time he’s been to a Colts game is three years ago, so this looks like a P.R. stunt to me.”
Reid injured his knee in the second game of the season and has yet to return. However, he continued to be outspoken concerning Pence, and by extension, President Trump.
“He knew our team has had the most players protest. He knew that we’re probably going to do it again,” Reid said. “This is what systemic oppression looks like: A man with power comes to the game, tweets a couple things out and leaves the game with an attempt to thwart our efforts.”
Pence tweeted: “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.”
He was backed up by his President, who tweeted, “I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen