Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith rips Trump for condemning anthem protests and not 'violent neo-Nazis'
Smith, who stood behind the Chiefs bench for the national anthem on Sunday, told Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star that he found Trump's comments "alarming."
"I'm talking about the comments that were made by the president, targeting the NFL, targeting the quality and character of guys in this league for that very protest," Smith said. "I found that very alarming."
At a rally on Friday, Trump said NFL owners should "fire" players who sit or kneel during the national anthem.
"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,'" Trump said. "'Out. He's fired! He's fired!'"
Smith continued: "It's the same guy who couldn't condemn violent neo-Nazis. And he's condemning guys taking a knee during the anthem."
Smith said Trump should have other things on his mind than the NFL.
"The league's not perfect. But I'm definitely proud of a lot of my teammates, coaches, trainers, owners," Smith said, adding, "It struck a chord a little bit to see guys get attacked for a peaceful protest."