Vice President Mike Pence tweeted he left today's 49ers-Colts game because of "protests during the national anthem." No Colts players "knelt during the anthem, but some 49ers players did." 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. ... 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" (INDYSTAR.com, 10/8).
Several Twitter commentators were quick to point out that the 49ers' protest should have come as no surprise. Indianapolis Star's
Zak Keefer: "Feels planned to me. This is FAR from the first time the 49ers have knelt. How could he have not expected this?" Pro Football Talk's
Michael David Smith: "How many tax dollars went to security at the Colts game today so Mike Pence could walk out when players did what he knew they'd do?" NBC Sports Bay Area's
Matt Maiocco: "I count 23 member of the #49ers kneeling for the playing of the national anthem as a protest of social inequality."
