Roy Moore, Alabama's Republican Senate candidate, says kneeling during the national anthem "demonstrates a lack of patriotism" and "a disrespect for the rule of law."
His comments came Wednesday and were reported by The Hill.
"As a West Point graduate and Vietnam veteran, I know what it means to stand for our flag, defend our country and advance the freedoms America represents around the world," said Moore, the former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. "Kneeling during our national anthem not only demonstrates a lack of patriotism for our country, but a disrespect for the rule of law."
And he added: "Title 36 of the United States Code, Section 301 states that all persons present during the national anthem should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart."
And AL.com noted Moore also backs the position of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence calling for players to stand during the anthem.
"I fully support President Trump and Vice President Pence in asking all Americans to stand for our flag during the playing of our national anthem out of respect for our laws and all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country," he said.