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Congressman Keith Ellison Says He's Boycotting NFL over 'Cowardly' Anthem Policy

Rob Goldberg@TheRobGoldbergX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistMay 28, 2018

FILE - In this June 16, 2016 file photo, Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn. is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. National Democrats will elect a new chair whose task is to steady a reeling party and capitalize on the widespread opposition to Republican President Donald Trump. Leading contenders in the Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, vote are Ellison and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke, File)
Lauren Victoria Burke/Associated Press

While some fans have discussed boycotting the NFL over players kneeling during the national anthem, one congressman will avoid games due to the league's reaction to it. 

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota explained on Twitter why he'll be boycotting the NFL in 2018:

Rep. Keith Ellison @keithellison

Friends who know me, know that I love football. But I won’t be watching this NFL season because of the unfair cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban. #BoycottNFL

Last week, the NFL approved changes to its anthem policy, which includes fines for teams whose players "do not show respect for the anthem." Players are allowed to remain in the locker room during the national anthem if they choose to do so.

President Donald Trump praised the changes after criticizing the league throughout last season, but he still used the opportunity to attack those who kneeled in protest of racial injustice.

"You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn't be playing," Trump said Thursday on Fox & Friends, via Veronica Stracqualursi of CNN. "You shouldn't be there. Maybe you shouldn't be in the country." 

Meanwhile, Ellison has been a supporter of NFL players and their fight to improve relations with police and their communities.

In November 2016, the Democrat was one of several congressmen to meet with a contingent of players on Capitol Hill, including Anquan Boldin, Malcolm Jenkins and others.

Although many fans have discussed boycotting the league due to Colin Kaepernick and other players' protests, Ellison is leaving for the opposite reason.