Vice President and former Indiana state Governor Mike Pence left the Indianapolis Colts game early, after players refused to stand for the national anthem.
The Colts are playing the San Fransisco 49ers in Indianapolis today. VP Pence was there to watch his home state team, but left when several players from both teams knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Pence took to Twitter saying "I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem."
I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience...
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
...now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us...
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/B0zP5M41MQ
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
Earlier in the day, Pence tweeted a photo of himself and his wife, Karen, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Looking forward to cheering for our @Colts & honoring the great career of #18 Peyton Manning at @LucasOilStadium today. Go Colts! pic.twitter.com/C3aCYUNpqG
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
Pence's decision to leave the NFL game is seemingly right on par with the average American.
Recent polls have shown that Americans of all races and backgrounds are tuning out the league in response to the NFL anthem protests. One poll just this week showed that the NFL is now the least popular top sport amongst professional and collegiate athletics.