Florida police officers upset about the NFL controversy where players kneel during the national anthem responded by reducing the security at the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets game, the Miami Herald reported Sunday.
Dade County Police Benevolent Association President John Rivera said the number of officers would be less than "ideal" for Sunday's game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. As of Friday, the number of officers who volunteered was 175, less than the 400 who usually work security for the game.
That caused some officers to be forced to work, where they will be paid overtime. It was expected that 270 would work during the game.
"This whole movement started against police officers," Rivera told CBS Miami. "And now it's morphed into disrespecting the flag and the country."
Fewer officers working security would result in "the minimal amount needed," Rivera explained, adding "I don't think they're going to have the ideal amount."
Police elsewhere in the country have responded in similar fashion to the controversy, with Cleveland officers last month refusing to hold the American flag during pregame ceremonies.
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