This country's constitution allows people to express their opinions freely so long as they do not produce any destructive results.  Players are expressing their opinion by kneeling down at the anthem.  President Trump is also expressing his opinion about players' attitude towards the national flag and anthem.  There is no physical destructive end result.  However, in my opinion, and I am sure the President has the same idea behind, when people living and earning livelihood in this country do not respect the national flag and national anthem, they seem to relay an impression that they do not love this country.  They are just after making money without any real love and affection for this country.  That is the bottom line.  Unfortunately, liberals are making it a racial issue which is absurd.  As far as penalty is concerned, it is up to the employees and employers to follow or not to follow the terms and conditions of the contracts they have signed.  Sports authorities are just stretching this issue for no reason.  I think steelers found the best way to handle this issue - stayed in the locker room when the anthem was played.