Jets owner Christopher Johnson has vowed to pay any national anthem protest fines incurred by his players this season, and Saturday, a U.S. congressman posed a stick question to him.
Congressman Peter King (R-NY), who doesn't like NFL players protesting the anthem, asked if Johnson would pay the tab if his players were fined for giving Nazi salutes.
King tweeted, "Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for National Anthem. Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police. Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!"
Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for National Anthem. Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police. Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) May 26, 2018
Given the politically charged nature of these protests, it's not surprising King's comments sparked reactions on social media. Among those responding on Twitter: Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who noted, "It is time to stop comparing a protest AGAINST violence to a salute that was all about violence. Do you get that Peter King?!?"
It is time to stop comparing a protest AGAINST violence to a salute that was all about violence. Do you get that Peter King?!?
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 26, 2018