Dartis Willis, the CEO and president of the Windsor Express, says he will always be a proud American, but his franchise would never try to impede a player's right to freedom of expression.
Willis, who operates Windsor's only pro team, admits he is dismayed by tweets from U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend calling NFL free-agent Colin Kaepernick's mother a derogatory term, and telling team owners they should fire any player that does not stand for the national anthem.
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
...our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
In reaction, at least 200 NFL players knelt for the anthem before Sunday's games. Members of other teams, like the Detroit Lions, were joined by their owners as they linked arms in solidarity with the league and players' right to protest.
At least one of Trump's tweets also appeared to call for a boycott of the National Football League.
Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country.Tell them to stand!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
NFLplayer PatTillman joined U.S. Army in 2002. He was killed in action 2004. He fought 4our country/freedom. #StandForOurAnthem #BoycottNFL pic.twitter.com/k1FXHRoozY
— Ⓙay (@jayMAGA45) September 24, 2017
Willis says the right of players to exercise their right to free speech should be sacrosanct.
"I think we would give that person their right to protest. We wouldn't penalize him," says Willis. "If it was something that impacted our pro team, we would go in a room and talk it out and see what we could do."
He admits has trouble he sometimes has trouble understanding why Trump tweets the things he does.
"It is both difficult and hurtful. I look at my country and I sometimes get embarrassed by some of the things our president does," admits Willis. "Just like the football players have their right to free speech, so does he. If he's going to take a high road as a president, then it should show and he's not, and has not, done that."
The Detroit Pistons have also issued a statement in response to Trump's call to fire players over their choice of protest.
Statement from @TomGores and the Detroit Pistons. pic.twitter.com/Z4BQD4Tr8I
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) September 25, 2017
Meanwhile, the Indy Car Series has taken a different route. It says any member of a pit crew that does not stand for the anthem will be fired, and should leave the country.
So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans. They won't put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag - they said it loud and clear!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
