Inslee: Trump fight with NFL “not necessary”

President Donald Trump should work on the issues behind the protests that prompt NFL players to refuse to stand for the national anthem rather than calling for them to be fired, Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday.

Inslee, a big Seahawks fan, was asked at a press conference what he thought of the team deciding to stay in the locker room for Sunday’s game until after “The Star-Spangled Banner” was over. Inslee said he didn’t actually watch the game because he was on a bicycle ride with his son.

“Whatever you think about this issue, it is striking to me that we have a president who would … go down to Alabama and attack people who are African-American and happen to be talented,” Inslee said. “It was not necessary. What is necessary is that we have a discussion of how to improve this country.”

Among the issues Inslee cited were better education, reduced violence involving some police forces and better economic opportunity.

Asked if he would “take a knee” the next time he’s at a sporting event where the national anthem is played, Inslee replied: “I haven’t thought about that.” He added he intends to be very committed to the issues he mentioned.

State Sen. Mike Baumgartner, a Spokane Republican who is chairman of the Commerce, Labor and Sports Committee, said he had two thoughts on the controversy over the players’ actions.

“Every American should stand for the flag out of respect to those who protect our freedoms,” Baumgartner said in a text, adding: “I get enough politics in my day job, I like my sports without politics.”

In an email, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., backed the players involved in the protest: “I think the president needs to better understand the importance of freedom of speech. These players are exercising that right.”

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., backed the Seahawks on Sunday after they announced they would stay in the locker room until after the anthem was over.

“Speaking out for justice and equality is what makes us strong and I proudly support the @Seahawks & those speaking up today,” she wrote on her Twitter account. “We stand for justice & equality in this country. And at a time when we see more hatred and division than ever, it’s critical to speak out.”

That generated dozens of responses both for and against her comment, with some saying First Amendment rights are alive and well, others arguing they are not alive and well on college campuses, where “only liberals speak,” and another contending “all the hatred we see is coming from the Left.”