Trump again blasts NFL over players kneeling during anthem

People in the crowd boo as members of the New Orleans Saints kneel for a moment of silence for fallen New Orleans Police officer Marcus McNeil, prior to the National Anthem, before an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. The players stood for the National Anthem. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is again criticizing the NFL over players kneeling during the national anthem.

Trump said on Twitter early Wednesday that the "NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem."

He adds, "Total disrespect for our great country!"

Trump appeared to be responding to the NFL annual fall meeting on Tuesday. The league invited players and representatives from their union to discuss social issues.

The topic of the national anthem was not discussed at length. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said owners did not ask players to commit to standing during the anthem.

In a follow-up tweet about the league later Wednesday, Trump said: "Too much talk, not enough action. Stand for the National Anthem."

Trump has suggested the owners should "fire" any players who kneel during "The Star-Spangled Banner."

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