Batman would side with Colin Kaepernick, and the NFL players kneeling in solidarity, at least according to Batman: The Black Mirror artist Francesco Francavilla, who posted a drawing of the Dark Knight "taking a knee" in protest against racial discrimination.RELATED: Mondoâs Red Rain Vampire Batman Statue is Perfectly HalloweenThe drawing is in reference to a movement that began in 2016 when the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback knelt during the performance of the U.S. national anthem before an NFL game. The move drew some support, but also widespread criticism; following his departure from the 49ers, Kaepernick went unsigned this year.
At a rally Saturday for Republican Sen. Luther Strange, who's running in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, President Donald Trump criticized professional athletes who have joined in the protest. âWouldnât you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, âGet that son of a bitch off the field right now,'" he exclaimed. "'Out! Heâs fired. Heâs fired!ââ
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He added, âYou know, some owner is going to do that. Heâs going to say, âThat guy that disrespects our flag, heâs fired.â And that owner, they donât know it [but] theyâll be the most popular person in this country.â
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement condemning Trump's comments, saying, âThe NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.â
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Trump's comments have gone on to enrage other sports organizations, in particular the professional basketball team the Golden State Warriors, who have since canceled a planned visit to the White House.
Today, a number of NFL teams chose to take a knee during the national anthem in support of Kaepernick, and in protest of Trump's comments.