The owners of the New York Giants on Saturday attacked as "inappropriate, offensive and divisive" President Donald Trump's call that NFL players be fired for not honoring the flag or the National Anthem.
"Comments like we heard last night from the president are inappropriate, offensive and divisive," Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch said in a statement reported by NBC Sports.
"We are proud of our players, the vast majority of whom use their NFL platform to make a positive difference in our society."
Trump on Friday at a rally in Alabama for Republican Senate candidate Luther Strange called on team owners to fire protesting players.
"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a b--ch off the field right now,'" Trump said at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville. "He is fired. He's fired!"
Trump, who once owned the New Jersey Generals of the former U.S. Football League, doubled down Saturday — tweeting that such players should "find something else to do."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tweeted Saturday that Trump's comments were "divisive" and showed a "lack of respect for the NFL."
In addition, DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, said the union would protect the constitutional rights of its members to protest during the National Anthem.
Other team owners also slammed Trump's comments, including Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy.
"It's unfortunate that the president decided to use his immense platform to make divisive and offensive statements about our players and the NFL," Murphy said in a statement.
"We strongly believe that players are leaders in our communities and positive influences," he added. "They have achieved their positions through tremendous work and dedication and should be celebrated for their success and positive impact.
"We believe it is important to support any of our players who choose to peacefully express themselves with the hope of change for good," Murphy said.
"As Americans, we are fortunate to be able to speak openly and freely."
On Twitter, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York called the president's comments "callous and offensive" — adding that they were "contradictory to what this great country stands for."
Colin Kaepernick played quarterback for the 49ers last season — and he ignited widespread praise and scorn when he refused to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the start of team games.
Kaepernick remains a free agent.
"Our players have exercised their rights as United States citizens in order to spark conversation and action to address social injustice," York said in his tweet. "We will continue to support them in their peaceful pursuit of positive change in our country and around the world.
"The San Francisco 49ers will continue to work toward bringing communities, and those who serve them, closer together."
Other NFL owners chimed in later Saturday, The Hill reported.
Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said he talked to his players about the "great respect they have for the national anthem and all it represents.
"We at the Philadelphia Eagles firmly believe that in this difficult time of division and conflict, it is more important than ever for football to be a great unifier," he said.
Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula took on Trump, saying, "President Trump's remarks were divisive and disrespectful to the entire NFL community but we tried to use them as an opportunity to further unify our team and our organization."
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Isray added that he was "troubled" by Trump's statement and said NFL players have been strongly involved in community service.
"That's the spirit in which this nation was founded, and we all need to work tirelessly to bring people together to take on the challenges that face us and give back to the people of our communities," Isray said. "More so than any result on the field that is a common goal worth rooting for."
Seattle Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin expressed support for players' "use of their freedom of speech and peaceful action to highlight the existing racial and other divides in our country.
"Our players completely respect the military and veterans of our country,," he said, "however they believe these issues need to come to the forefront."