Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said Tuesday that he respects the decision of Denver Broncos players on Sunday to protest President Donald Trump and that the president’s NFL criticism was a bid to “distract the country” from his policy failures.
The two-term Democratic governor and former Denver mayor echoed the remarks of Broncos coach Vance Joseph, saying “politics generally doesn’t mix with sports very well.”
“That being said, when things reach that pitch, people feel the need to make that expression of what they believe, and I respect that,” Hickenlooper told The Denver Post in an interview.
Thirty-two Broncos players took a knee during the anthem for the away game against the Buffalo Bills and sparked outrage among some fans who are calling for a boycott of the team.
Trump said team owners should fire players who “disrespect the flag” by kneeling to protest the treatment of African-Americans and police brutality.
Hickenlooper blasted Trump for his divisive comments. “Do you want my honest opinion? I think President Trump is trying to distract the country away from the failures he’s had — the inability to get a health care bill that both sides could come together on,” he said in the interview.
He noted that “this country is built on free speech” and pointed to New England Patriots owner and Trump friend Robert Kraft’s support for his players, saying “it sends a very powerful statement.”
NFL players across the nation reacted, as did plenty of politicians.
In Colorado, only a few of the candidates for governor in 2018 waded into the discussion in social media posts.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Polis of Boulder, a leading contender, wrote on Twitter: “Trump wrong to make professional athletes choose sides, force politics onto football; sports (are) a needed fun diversion, leave sports alone!”
Trump wrong to make professional athletes choose sides, force politics onto football; sports r a needed fun diversion, leave sports alone!
— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) September 24, 2017
His rival Mike Johnston, a former state senator from Denver and fervent Broncos fan, did not address the protest. But he did express support on Twitter for Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry and coach Steve Kerr. Trump uninvited Curry from the traditional visit by the NBA champions to the White House.
I was not @warriors fan before today. I am now. Thanks @StephenCurry30 @SteveKerr 4 bringing dignity to this debate https://t.co/szti95AqEV
— Mike Johnston (@MikeJohnstonCO) September 24, 2017
Republican George Brauchler, who often jokes that his dream job is NFL commissioner, did not address the situation on social media, and neither did state Treasurer Walker Stapleton, who entered the race a day after the controversy.
Rival Victor Mitchell, a businessman and former state lawmaker, took to Facebook after the protest to “urge EVERY AMERICAN EVERYWHERE to honor the flag and the patriotic sacrifices made for it and our country.” But his post did not directly comment on the Broncos or Trump.