Philadelphia Eagles' Chris Long (56), Malcolm Jenkins (27) and Rodney McLeod (23) hold their fists up during the National Anthem before an NFL football game in November 2017. Jenkins did the same in Thursday night's game. | Matt Rourke/AP Photo Trump blasts NFL players for kneeling at preseason games 
 
 President Donald Trump blasted NFL players on Friday morning for protesting during the national anthem at preseason games, accusing them of being "unable to define" what they are protesting and suggesting the athletes should instead "be happy" and "be cool." 
 
 "The NFL players are at it again - taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the national anthem. Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their “outrage” at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love," Trump said in a tweet. 
 
 Story Continued Below 
 
 Trump's tweets came after some football players kneeled or showed other signs of protest during the national anthem at several preseason NFL games Thursday night. 
 
 "Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!" Trump said on Twitter. 
 
 Contrary to the president's claim, the NFL players who kneel for the national anthem have been vocal and specific about their protests, which began two seasons ago in opposition to racial injustice and police brutality. Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and some of his teammates wore t-shirts Thursday that said “more than 60% of prison populations are people of color” on the front and “nearly 5,000 kids are in adults prisons and jails” on the back, according to NBC Sports. 
 
 The NFL Players Association did not immediately return a request for comment. 
 
 The protests, which have grown over the past two seasons, sparked controversy and led NFL owners to approve a new policy in May that allows teams to fine players and other personnel who fail to stand during the national anthem. Players have the option to stay in the locker room during the song. Enforcement of that policy has been put on hold as the league negotiates with its players over the controversy. 
 
 Critics of the protest say players are disrespecting the American flag and national anthem when they protest during the song. But many protesting NFL players have argued that it is important to use their national platform to speak out against injustice, and that they have a right to free speech. 
 
 Jenkins and Eagles cornerback De'Vante Bausby raised their fists for the Star Spangled Banner Thursday night, according to the Associated Press. Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneeled for the anthem before their game. 
 
 Protests during the national anthem as an NFL-wide trend began years ago, sparked by then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the anthem. The 30-year-old athlete took a knee in 2016 to protest racial injustice in the U.S., including police brutality. 
 
 The president drew attention to the issue last year at a rally in Alabama, collectively labeling kneeling players as a "son of a bitch" and suggesting they be thrown out of the league. Trump's attention to the issue prompted significantly more players to protest, metastasizing the issue from a sports debate to a nationwide controversy. 
 
 Such protests also caught fire among other NFL players, and even college and high school athletes across the country. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who once conspicuously kept a "Make America Great Again" hat in his locker and who the president has joked could have been his son-in-law, praised the protests in an interview with Oprah Winfrey during the offseason, breaking with the president on the issue. 
 
 Kaepernick, a free agent who went unsigned and did not play in the league last season, tweeted his support for the players who protested on Thursday night. 
 
 “My brother @kstills continued his protest of systemic oppression tonight by taking a knee,” Kaepernick said. “Albert Wilson joined him in protest. Stay strong brothers!” ||||| Baltimore Ravens players, including former player Ray Lewis, second from right, kneel down during the playing of the U.S. national anthem before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at... (Associated Press) 
 
 NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the sports world reacting to President Donald Trump's remarks about pro football (all times Eastern): 
 
 9 p.m. 
 
 When you add up the numbers, about one in eight NFL players did not stand for the national anthem this weekend. 
 
 AP reporters and photographers counted the players kneeling or sitting at every NFL game Sunday. With one more game to go Monday night, already more than 200 players chose to protest. A handful of others raised their fists. 
 
 The league has 1,696 players on active rosters. 
 
 Last week, only six NFL players protested, continuing the movement started last year by former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick. 
 
 But President Donald Trump's comments and tweets saying protesting players should be fired sparked a massive show of defiance. Three teams stayed off the field for the anthems entirely. Other teams locked arms, with some players standing, some kneeling and some sitting. 
 
 ___ 
 
 5:20 p.m. 
 
 President Donald Trump has continued to express his displeasure on Twitter about how NFL players are choosing to kneel or sit for the national anthem before games. 
 
 In one tweet, Trump said that "Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad Ratings!" In another tweet, he says people "MUST honor and respect" the American flag. 
 
 About 150 players around the NFL sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during the league's early games. 
 
 In another tweet, Trump said the NHL champion Pittsburgh Penguins will be going to the White House f or a ceremony. Trump recently rescinded a White House invitation for Stephen Curry of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors. 
 
 __ 
 
 4 p.m. 
 
 Meghan Linsey finished singing the national anthem before the Seattle Seahawks game at the Tennessee Titans, and then the runner-up in "The Voice" took a knee as she finished. So did the guitarist accompanying her. 
 
 At least 130 players around the NFL sat or knelt during the anthems in the early games. The Seahawks and Titans didn't come on the field until after Linsey finished singing. A handful of players stood outside the tunnel. 
 
 Earlier in Detroit, singer Rico Lavelle dropped to his right knee, bowed his head and raised his right fist wrapped around the microphone while finishing up his rendition of the national anthem before the Lions-Falcons game. 
 
 — AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker reported from Nashville, Tennessee 
 
 ___ 
 
 4:01 p.m. 
 
 President Donald Trump has continued to express his displeasure on Twitter about how NFL players are choosing to kneel or sit for the national anthem before games. 
 
 In one tweet, Trump said that "Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad Ratings!" In another tweet, he says people "MUST honor and respect" the American flag. 
 
 More than 130 players around the NFL sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during the league's early games. 
 
 In another tweet, Trump said the NHL champion Pittsburgh Penguins will be going to the White House for a ceremony. Trump recently rescinded a White House invitation for Stephen Curry of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors. 
 
 ___ 
 
 3:50 p.m. 
 
 The Tennessee Titans are joining the Seattle Seahawks in deciding not to come out for the national anthem. 
 
 The Seahawks announced nearly 30 minutes before kickoff that they would not stand for the national anthem because they "will not stand for the injustice that has plagued people of color in this country." 
 
 The Titans followed 10 minutes later by saying they will remain in the locker room during the national anthem. They posted a statement on their website noting they want to be unified as a team with the players deciding jointly that staying inside was the best course of action. 
 
 The team also said their commitment to the military and community is "resolute" and that "the absence of our team for the national anthem shouldn't be misconstrued as unpatriotic." 
 
 Seattle has been one of the more outspoken teams in professional sports on social issues, led by Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin. 
 
 — AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker reported from Nashville, Tennessee 
 
 ___ 
 
 3:40 p.m. 
 
 The Los Angeles Sparks did not participate in the national anthem before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, joining a long list of protests being conducted on football fields across the NFL. 
 
 Moments before the Sparks and Minnesota Lynx were scheduled to line up for the national anthem, the Sparks left the floor. The Lynx stood arm-in-arm with each other while the anthem was performed. As soon as it was finished, the Sparks re-entered Williams Arena to a chorus of boos. 
 
 The gesture comes in solidarity with NFL players who either sat, took a knee or did not take the field for the anthem after President Donald Trump criticized football players for enacting such protests. At least 130 players were kneeling or sitting during the first NFL games. 
 
 — AP Sports Writer Jon Krawczynski reported from Minneapolis 
 
 ___ 
 
 2:55 p.m. 
 
 It appeared no drivers, crew or other team members participated in a protest during the national anthem to start the NASCAR Cup series race Sunday in Loudon, New Hampshire. Several team owners and executives had said they wouldn't want anyone in their organizations to protest. 
 
 Richard Childress, who was Dale Earnhardt's longtime team owner, said of protesting, "It'll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus." Childress says he told his team that "anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America." 
 
 Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty's sentiments took it a step further, saying: "Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got 'em where they're at? The United States." 
 
 When asked if a protester at Richard Petty Motorsports would be fired, he said, "You're right." 
 
 Another team owner Chip Ganassi says he supports Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's comments. Tomlin said before the Steelers played on Sunday that players would remain in the locker room and that "we're not going to let divisive times or divisive individuals affect our agenda." 
 
 ___ 
 
 1 p.m. 
 
 NFL players used the national anthem to show their defiance to President Donald Trump's criticism, with at least 100 players kneeling or sitting in protest and one team staying in the locker room. 
 
 Most teams in the early afternoon games locked arms in solidarity. At least three team owners joined their players. 
 
 More than 100 players sat or knelt, the form of protest started last season by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick is now a free agent, and supporters believe teams have avoided signing him because of his protest. 
 
 The Pittsburgh Steelers remained in the locker room as the national anthem played before their game with the Chicago Bears. Coach Mike Tomlin stood by himself on the sideline. 
 
 How each team would observe the national anthem emerged as the center of attention on this NFL Sunday in the wake of Trump's critical remarks toward players who don't stand for the anthem. 
 
 Tomlin had said before the game that Pittsburgh's players would remain in the locker room and that "we're not going to let divisive times or divisive individuals affect our agenda." Tomlin added that the Steelers made this choice "not to be disrespectful to the anthem but to remove ourselves from this circumstance. People shouldn't have to choose." 
 
 ___ 
 
 12:12 p.m. 
 
 The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to stay in their locker room for the national anthem before their game against the Chicago Bears, coach Mike Tomlin has told CBS. 
 
 The move was apparently in reaction to President Donald Trump's suggestion that NFL owners fire players who kneel for the national anthem. 
 
 Several players from the Jaguars and Ravens decided to kneel in the first NFL game of the day in London. Then Tomlin said his players would not be on the sideline at Soldier Field in Chicago for the anthem. 
 
 — AP Sports Writer Jay Cohen reported from Chicago 
 
 ___ 
 
 12:13 p.m. 
 
 Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagilabue called President Donald Trump's comments on NFL players "insulting and disgraceful." 
 
 Tagliabue, who was in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a guest of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, spoke to the media before Carolina's game against the New Orleans Saints. 
 
 "For me to single out any particular group of players and call them SOB's, to me, that is insulting and disgraceful," Tagliabue said. "So I think the players deserve credit for what they do. And when it comes to speech they are entitled to speak. And we are entitled to listen. We are entitled to agree or disagree. But we're not entitled to shut anybody's speech down. Sometimes you don't like what you hear and that is true in life in lots of contexts, but you can't shut people down and be disgraceful when you are doing it." 
 
 Richardson is not making a statement on the Trump's remarks, per team spokesman Steven Drummond. 
 
 — AP Sports Writer Steve Reed reported from Charlotte, North Carolina 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:45 a.m. 
 
 A handful of Miami Dolphins players are wearing black T-shirts supporting free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick during pregame warm-ups. 
 
 The shirts have "#IMWITHKAP" written in bold white lettering on the front. 
 
 Kaepernick was the first athlete to refuse to stand during the national anthem as a protest. This season, no team has signed him, and some supporters believe NFL owners are avoiding him because of the controversy. 
 
 Among the players sporting the shirts before their game against the New York Jets are wide receiver Kenny Stills, running back Jay Ajayi and offensive linemen Laremy Tunsil and Ja'Wuan James. Stills, also a team captain, posted a photo on Twitter of himself wearing the shirt , along with the post: "In case you didn't know!" 
 
 — AP Sports Writer Dennis Waszak reporting from East Rutherford, New Jersey 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:02 a.m. 
 
 Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is defending President Donald Trump's attacks on football players who kneel during the national anthem. 
 
 Speaking on ABC's "This Week" Sunday morning, Mnuchin says the National Football League enforces other types of rules and Trump thinks "owners should have a rule that players should have to stand in respect for the national anthem." 
 
 Mnuchin adds that "they can do free speech on their own time." 
 
 Trump suggested during a speech Friday night that NFL owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem. A handful of NFL players have refused to stand to protest several issues, including police brutality. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:01 a.m. 
 
 The Pittsburgh Penguins say they've accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to go to the White House after winning the Stanley Cup. 
 
 The Penguins released a statement Sunday saying they respect the office of the president and "the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House." The Penguins were honored by Barack Obama after winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and previously by George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s. 
 
 "Any agreement or disagreement with a president's politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways. However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit." 
 
 Trump revoked the White House invitation to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors Saturday, after the team had said they might not accept. 
 
 —Stephen Whyno reporting from Washington 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:15 a.m. 
 
 Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti says he "100 percent" supports his players' decision to kneel during the national anthem ahead of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley. 
 
 At least seven Ravens players and more than a dozen Jaguars players took a knee during the anthem while the rest of the players stood locked arm-in-arm in an apparent response to President Donald Trump, who said this week that NFL owners should fire those who disrespected the American flag. 
 
 But the Ravens issued a statement from Bisciotti minutes after kickoff, saying: "We recognize our players' influence. We respect their demonstration and support them 100 percent. All voices need to be heard. That's democracy in its highest form." 
 
 Jaguars owner Shad Khan stood arm-in-arm with his players during the anthem. 
 
 ___ 
 
 9:30 a.m. 
 
 About two dozen players, including Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette, took a knee during the playing of the national anthem before the start of the teams' game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. 
 
 Other players on one knee during the performance included Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley, wide receiver Mike Wallace and safety Lardarius Webb as well as Jaguars linebacker Dante Fowler, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. 
 
 Players on both teams and Jaguars owner Shad Khan, who were not kneeling, remained locked arm-in-arm throughout the playing of the national anthem and "God Save The Queen," the national anthem of Britain. 
 
 No players were kneeling during the playing of the British national anthem. 
 
 President Donald Trump had a suggestion on Saturday for National Football League owners whose players decide to take a knee during the national anthem: fire them. ||||| FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2018 photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, right, hands the Vincent Lombardi trophy to Nick Foles after winning the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New... (Associated Press) 
 
 FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2018 photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, right, hands the Vincent Lombardi trophy to Nick Foles after winning the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New England Patriots in Minneapolis. The Eagles won 41-33. President Donald Trump has called off a visit... (Associated Press) 
 
 FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2018 photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, right, hands the Vincent Lombardi trophy to Nick Foles after winning the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New England Patriots in Minneapolis. The Eagles won 41-33. President Donald Trump has called off a visit... (Associated Press) FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2018 photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, right, hands the Vincent Lombardi trophy to Nick Foles after winning the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New... (Associated Press) 
 
 WASHINGTON (AP) — Digging deeper into a culture war that he's repeatedly stoked, President Donald Trump called off a visit to the White House by the Philadelphia Eagles, citing the dispute over whether NFL players protesting racial injustice must stand during the playing of the national anthem. 
 
 Trump said in a statement Monday that some members of the Super Bowl championship team "disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country." 
 
 He said the team wanted to send a smaller delegation Tuesday, but "the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better." 
 
 Instead, Trump said he would be hosting "a different type of ceremony," featuring the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Army Chorus, that "will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem." 
 
 None of the Eagles took a knee during the anthem in 2017. 
 
 One of the people set to attend the ceremony told The Associated Press less than half of the team's 53-man roster planned to go. The person spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the decision. 
 
 Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney replied with his own statement, saying that he is "equally proud of the Eagles' activism off the field" and that the players "represent the diversity of our nation — a nation in which we are free to express our opinions." 
 
 "Disinviting them from the White House only proves that our President is not a true patriot, but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend," Kenney said. 
 
 Last week, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said he would not attend the ceremony because he didn't want to be part of a photo op and wanted "to avoid being used as any kind of pawn." In addition to Jenkins, defensive end Chris Long was the most outspoken player against going. Quarterback Carson Wentz had planned to attend. 
 
 It was unclear exactly what prompted the change of plans. The White House did not immediately respond to questions about what had sparked the decision and why the circumstances were different from other events honoring winning teams, which some players have boycotted. 
 
 Late Monday, though, Trump wrote on Twitter that "Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event." 
 
 Several players asked about Trump's decision not to host them declined to respond. The Eagles issued a statement without directly addressing the White House cancellation. 
 
 "Watching the entire Eagles community come together has been an inspiration," the team statement read. "We are truly grateful for all of the support we have received and we are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2018 season." 
 
 Wide receiver Torrey Smith, who said previously that he planned to skip the visit, responded with a series of tweets. 
 
 "So many lies," he wrote, adding, "Not many people were going to go." 
 
 Smith, who played on the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia team before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in March, added: "No one refused to go simply because Trump 'insists' folks stand for the anthem. ... The President continues to spread the false narrative that players are anti military." 
 
 He went on: "There are a lot of people on the team that have plenty of different views. The men and women that wanted to go should've been able to go. It's a cowardly act to cancel the celebration because the majority of the people don't want to see you. To make it about the anthem is foolish." 
 
 The announcement was the latest signal that tensions remain high around the NFL protests that began in 2016 when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began silently kneeling on the sidelines while the anthem played. Kaepernick's protest was an effort to raise awareness around systemic racism and, specifically, the killing of black men by police. 
 
 He was soon joined by teammate Eric Reid. Both Reid and Kaepernick have filed grievances against the NFL and remain unsigned since their contracts with the 49ers expired. 
 
 Last season, Vice President Mike Pence left the 49ers game against the Indianapolis Colts after about a dozen San Francisco players took a knee during the anthem. Pence, who left before kickoff, tweeted soon afterward, "I left today's Colts game becaue @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem." 
 
 Trump has repeatedly decried the players' protest, referring to them as "sons of bitches" who should be fired at a rally for supporters in Alabama last year. Last month, the NFL announced a new policy - praised on Twitter by both Trump and Pence - requiring players to stand for the anthem if they're on the field before a game. 
 
 After the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2017, several players declined to attend the White House ceremony honoring their team last August, citing their differences with the president. In February, the Golden State Warriors declined to attend the White House ceremony honoring their 2017 NBA Championship, instead using their trip to Washington to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture. 
 
 During an interview after the new NFL policy was announced, Trump praised the league for doing "the right thing." 
 
 "You have to stand proudly for the national anthem," Trump said. Or "you shouldn't be playing, you shouldn't be there. Maybe they shouldn't be in the country." 
 
 Late Monday, Trump added on Twitter: "Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!" 
 
 Several members of the Eagles have voiced staunch opposition to the owners' decision. 
 
 "This is a fear of the diminished bottom line," Long said last month. "It's also fear of a president turning his base against a corporation. This is not patriotism. Don't get it confused. These owners don't love America more than the players demonstrating and taking real action to improve it." 
 
 Jenkins has vowed to carry on the cause. 
 
 "I will not let it silence me or stop me from fighting," he said recently. "This has never been about taking a knee, raising a fist or anyone's patriotism, but doing what we can to effect real change for real people." 
 
 Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., invited the Eagles to come to Capitol Hill. 
 
 "I'm proud of what the @Eagles accomplished this year. I'm skipping this political stunt at the White House and just invited the Eagles to Congress. @Eagles How about a tour of the Capitol?" he wrote. 
 
 White House legislative director Marc Short said in an appearance on CNN that he didn't know who had canceled on whom, but said, "It's unfortunate when politics gets in the middle of this." 
 
 ___ 
 
 Whack reported from Philadelphia. Associated Press Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report. Follow Colvin on Twitter at https://twitter.com/colvinj. Follow Whack on Twitter at https://twitter.com/emarvelous. ||||| This story is about Published Sep. 26 
 
 Jerry Jones explains Cowboys' national anthem decision: 'We wanted to make a statement' Share This Story On... Twitter 
 
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 Andy Jacobsohn/Staff photographer Dallas Cowboys players and staff including owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett all take a knee before the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. 
 
 By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon George on Twitter: @DMN_George 
 
 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cowboys found a way to show solidarity without disparaging the national anthem Monday night in their own form of demonstration to publicly oppose President Donald Trump's criticism of NFL protests. 
 
 
 
 Every NFL team that played Sunday participated in some form of demonstration during the national anthem. The protests were sparked by Trump calling for NFL owners to fire players who decline to stand for the anthem in a rally in Alabama on Friday. Some NFL players, coaches and executives Sunday stood arm-in-arm along the sideline. Some sat, knelt or raised a fist. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't even come on the field during the anthem. The Cowboys met multiple times over the last three days, sources said, to carefully consider their options. Plans began immediately after Saturday's practice in Frisco and didn't get finalized up until 15 minutes before kickoff. Ultimately, they chose the path of least resistance with millions of viewers tuned into their Monday Night Football game against Arizona. Cowboys players, coaches and executives came onto the field before the national anthem and stood arm-in-arm before taking a knee. Owner Jerry Jones; his sons, Stephen and Jerry Jr.; his daughter, Charlotte; and coach Jason Garrett were among those on the field. Jones and his family are usually in a suite during the anthem. After the Cowboys kneeled, fans at University of Phoenix Stadium booed. The Cowboys then went to the sideline as the U.S. flag was stretched across the field. The Cowboys and the Jones family again locked arms as Jordin Sparks sang the national anthem. 
 
 Vernon Bryant/Staff photographer Dallas Cowboys players and staff including owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett all take a knee before the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Vernon Bryant/Staff Photographer Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) locks arms with teammates during the playing of the United States National Anthem before a National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday September 25, 2017. (Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News) Vernon Bryant/Staff Photographer Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) locks arms with teammates during the playing of the United States National Anthem before a National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday September 25, 2017. (Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News) Vernon Bryant/Staff Photographer Dallas Cowboys link arm in arm during the National Anthem prior to the start of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday, September 25, 2017. (Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News) 
 
 "It's been an interesting 48 hours for everybody," Garrett said. "The objectives as much as anything else was to some how, some way to demonstrate unity and equality and do so without anyway involving the American Flag and the national anthem. It took a lot of conversation of how to do that. 
 
 The Cowboys' demonstration carries more weight because the franchise has been referred to as "America's Team" the last 40 years. No franchise is more valuable or draws more ratings. "Great show of unity," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tweeted. 
 
 Great show of unity. Enjoy tonight's great matchup #DALvsAZ https://t.co/CAI05JHHTq — Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) September 26, 2017 
 
 As another show of unity, Cowboys executives, players and coaches walked out onto the field for their first training camp practice last year arm-in-arm with then-Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings and family members of the officers slain in the July 2016 ambush in Dallas. 
 
 National reaction to Cowboys' anthem response: Brilliant; even Eagles fans loved it 
 
 Before Monday, no Cowboys player had publicly protested during the national anthem since Garrett became the coach midway through the 2010 season. Then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked the movement in August 2016 as he sat on the bench during the national anthem to protest police brutality. 
 
 Very few NFL players publicly protested, however, before Trump created a firestorm Friday with criticism that players referred to as "divisive." "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he's fired. He's fired!" Trump said Friday. "You know, some owner is going to do that. He's going to say, 'That guy disrespects our flag, he's fired.' And that owner, they don't know it [but] they'll be the most popular person in this country." Trump doubled-down on his criticism of NFL players with almost 20 tweets the last three days. "The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race," Trump tweeted Monday morning. "It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!" 
 
 The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017 
 
 Jones and Garrett consistently made it clear over the last year they believed everyone should stand during the national anthem. Garrett said Saturday he didn't expect any players to protest. Garrett said he didn't see any need to address Trump's criticism with the team. 
 
 That changed the last few days, however, with Garrett gauging his players' emotions about Trump's comments. 
 
 "I've never been prouder of my association with players and a coaching staff as I am with this crew," Jones said. "We all agreed that our players wanted to make a statement about unity and equality. They were very much aware that that statement when made or when attempted to be made in and a part of in recognition of our flag can not only lead to criticism but also controversy. It was real easy for everybody to see the message of unity and equality was getting pushed aside or diminished by controversy. We even had the circumstances that it was being made into a controversy." The Cowboys met at least three times to plan how they'd respond to Trump's comments, sources said. The club's leadership council, which includes more than a dozen prominent players, met Sunday night to discuss the possibilities before the entire team gathered to further talk over their options. The Jones family was also involved with the plans. "It was a team thing," wide receiver Dez Bryant said. "That's the true definition of unity. Trump can't divide this." The usually outspoken Jones fell silent after Trump created waves. The Cowboys were the only organization among the NFL's 32 teams that hadn't released a statement on Jones' behalf by Monday night. The Cowboys chose not to do so because Jones, unlike any other owner, always speaks to the media after games. Jones was one of at least nine NFL owners to donate to Trump's inaugural committee. His $1 million donation came via Glenstone Limited Partnership, a group that shares an address with the Cowboys' Frisco team headquarters and has state filings that show direct connections to Jones. Before Monday's game, the Cowboys and Cardinals were among only six NFL teams that had yet to have a player protest during the national anthem by either kneeling, sitting or raising his fist. The other four: the Bears, Bengals, Jets and Vikings. The Cardinals didn't protest during the national anthem Monday but also stood arm-in-arm along the sideline. Jones was asked about his thoughts on Trump's criticism. "I made my mind up on this issue that I wasn't going to comment," Jones said. "I want actions to be louder than words. And we did it. We made our statement." Staff Writer David Moore contributed to this report. 
 
 The Dallas Cowboys took a knee before the anthem, but stood with locked arms during it. How do you view their approach? http://p.d-news.co/l3bb Posted by SportsDay's Dallas Cowboys Fan Central on Monday, September 25, 2017 
 
 Veteran & 'Boys-ex Chad Hennings on actions before anthem: "Cowboys did pretty much the only thing to come out respectful of both sides.'' — David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) September 26, 2017 
 
 The Cowboys took a knee before anthem but are standing for actual anthem with arms linked. Cardinals are standing with arms linked. — Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) September 26, 2017 
 
 The Cowboys have their arms linked and are kneeling collectively. Boos in Arizona. — Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) September 26, 2017 
 
 Classic Jerry Jones. The Cowboys owner has built a brilliant and lucrative career finding a work around others don't. — David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) September 26, 2017 
 
 Cowboys are on field in front of the U.S. flag now that stretches across the field. Cowboys locking arm-in-arm with Jerry Jones in middle — Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 26, 2017 
 
 Jerry Jones just pointed to a large number of Cowboys fans in stands behind visitor's bench area, clapped his hands and bowed toward them. — Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 26, 2017 
 
 Jerry Jones is still on the sideline as the Cowboys come out on the field. He's giving many of them high-fives and clapping a lot. — Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 26, 2017 ||||| (CNN) The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles' White House visit has been canceled due to the controversy over standing for the National Anthem at NFL games, President Donald Trump announced Monday. 
 
 "The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow," Trump said in a statement. "They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better." 
 
 It's an unprecedented move by Trump. The NBA champion Golden State Warriors declined an invitation from the President to visit the White House after winning the 2017 championship, but presidents typically honor their invitations to championship teams. Players also have refused those invitations in the past -- Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas declined to visit the White House in 2012 over disagreements with President Barack Obama's policies. 
 
 The President typically invites the champions of major professional and college sports to the White House for a visit as a part of their victory celebrations. 
 
 The movement was initially started by Colin Kaepernick, who was formerly with the San Francisco 49ers. He drew national attention for refusing to stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to kickoff. 
 
 "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in August 2016 
 
 Trump has r epeatedly criticized players for not standing for the anthem and has gone as far as to say team owners should fire players for doing so. 
 
 The new NFL policy gives players the option of remaining in the locker room during the playing of the anthem if they do not wish to comply. 
 
 Trump later tweeted, "The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!" The Eagles have not stayed in the locker room as a means of protesting the anthem. 
 
 The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018 
 
 Players on the Eagles are some of the most outspoken social justice activists in the NFL, and multiple players took part in the protests during the anthem over the last two seasons. Many players from the team were not planning on attending the ceremony as a protest of Trump, his policies and his outspoken criticism of players who chose to kneel during the anthem. 
 
 The Eagles were originally invited to the White House after their win in February's Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. It was the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. 
 
 In response to Trump's announcement, former Eagles receiver Torrey Smith, who was a member of the championship team and was traded during the off-season, called the move "a cowardly act." 
 
 So many lies smh 
 
 Here are some facts 
 
 1. Not many people were going to go 
 
 2. No one refused to go simply because Trump "insists" folks stand for the anthem 
 
 3. The President continues to spread the false narrative that players are anti military pic.twitter.com/89GUNhJ4eE — Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) June 4, 2018 
 
 There are a lot of people on the team that have plenty of different views. The men and women that wanted to go should've been able to go. It's a cowardly act to cancel the celebration because the majority of the people don't want to see you. To make it about the anthem is foolish — Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) June 4, 2018 
 
 "So many lies smh Here are some facts 1. Not many people were going to go 2. No one refused to go simply because Trump 'insists' folks stand for the anthem 3. The President continues to spread the false narrative that players are anti military," he said in one tweet. 
 
 Smith continued: "There are a lot of people on the team that have plenty of different views. The men and women that wanted to go should've been able to go. It's a cowardly act to cancel the celebration because the majority of the people don't want to see you. To make it about the anthem is foolish." 
 
 One player who spoke to CNN said the team had multiple meetings to discuss the invitation to the White House. Not many players wanted to go, the player said. 
 
 "The number was low," he said. 
 
 But the issue Trump brought to the fore -- players kneeling during the National Anthem -- was not one of the team's chief concerns. The player said the issue was never mentioned in the meetings. 
 
 A separate NFL source said none of the players on the Eagles team that won the Super Bowl took a knee during the anthem during the regular season -- one player took a knee in the preseason but was cut before the regular season began. Safety Malcolm Jenkins raised his fist during the anthem to protest racial injustice before some games, but he stopped when the NFL pledged to make a $100 million donation to various charities in November. 
 
 Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said he's skipping the White House event, and instead invited the team to take a tour of the US Capitol. 
 
 "I'm proud of what the @Eagles accomplished this year. I'm skipping this political stunt at the White House and just invited the Eagles to Congress. @Eagles How about a tour of the Capitol?" Casey wrote on Twitter. 
 
 I'm proud of what the @Eagles accomplished this year. I'm skipping this political stunt at the White House and just invited the Eagles to Congress. @Eagles How about a tour of the Capitol? https://t.co/niWR7zkSYx — Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) June 4, 2018 
 
 Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney released a statement, where he said Trump's decision "proves that our President is not a true patriot." 
 
 "The Eagles call the birthplace of our democracy home, so it's no surprise that this team embodies everything that makes our country and our city great. Their athletic accomplishments on the field led to an historic victory this year," Kenney said. 
 
 "Disinviting them from the White House only proves that our President is not a true patriot, but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend," he later said in the statement. 
 
 "City Hall is always open for a celebration," he added. 
 
 Trump said in Monday's statement that the fans are still welcome to come and partake in a "different kind of ceremony." 
 
 "One that will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem," he said. 
 
 White House Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short told CNN's Erin Burnett he was unsure who canceled on whom. 
 
 "It's unfortunate when politics gets in the middle of this," Short said. 
 
 Trump said he will be at the ceremony alongside the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus at 3 p.m. Tuesday to "celebrate America."
– Is it football season already? It must be, based on President Trump's tweets from Friday morning. After reports filtered out about some NFL players kneeling, raising their fists, and taking part in other forms of protest during preseason games on Thursday evening, Trump once more railed against those who did so. "The NFL players are at it again - taking a knee when they should be standing proudly for the National Anthem," Trump tweeted. "Numerous players, from different teams, wanted to show their 'outrage' at something that most of them are unable to define. They make a fortune doing what they love......" He continued in a second tweet: "Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is no place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway." And a final warning: "Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!" Politico and the Washington Post take issue with Trump's assertion that the players haven't been able to define what they're protesting, with Politico noting the players are pushing back against "racial injustice and police brutality." The Post goes even deeper, compiling very specific statements from the players themselves. In May, the NFL banned players from sitting or kneeling during the anthem, but that policy was put on hold in July and won't be enforced as the league and players union try to hash things out on the sidelines.