Here's how brands are responding to Trump's criticism of the NFL anthem protests

pulse

September 27, 2017 2:32 PM

As NFL teams across the country protest during the US national anthem, Nike, Under Armour, and Papa John's have all put out statements.

The anthem protests, started by Colin Kaepernick last year, were meant to protest police brutality against black Americans.

Now, after President Trump derided players who have knee led during the anthem, the issue has blown up into a dangerous firestorm for brands trying to avoid controversy.

There are 35 brands sponsoring the NFL this year. Of those, a few have put out statements.

Most of the statements seem to neither support Trump's criticisms nor the players who have protested during the national anthem, though a few go far enough to defend players.

Under Armour

Under Armour, no stranger to Trump-related controversy, was quick to put out a statement Saturday.

stands for the flag and by our Athletes [sic] for free speech, expression and a unified America," the brand tweeted.

Nike

Rival Nike's statement was more definitive: "

Ford

Carmakers have also weighed in. Ford told Bloomberg that the company does "respect individuals' rights to express their views, even if they are not ones we share. That's part of what makes America great."

Hyundai

Hyundai said in a statement: "

Papa John's

Food and beverage companies have also made their statements. Papa John's said: "In America, we should respect those who have served AND stand up for injustice. We need to work together to be better."

Anheuser-Busch InBev

AB InBev sent Yahoo a similar statement: "At Anheuser-Busch we have a long heritage of supporting the institutions and values that have made America so strong. That includes our armed forces and the national anthem as well as diversity, equality and freedom of speech."

Bose

e proudly fly the American flag. It's a symbol of our great country which protects the freedom for every person to express their views. We respect that freedom, whether we agree with those views or not."

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