On Sunday, swimsuit model Kate Upton, infuriated with NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem fired off tweets basting the players for taking their actions on the anniversary of the infamous 9/11 attacks.
Imitating San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who insulted the national anthem during the preseason by kneeling, on Sunday four Miami Dolphins players, Kenny Stills, Michael Thomas, Arian Foster, and Jelani Jenkins, took a knee as the national anthem before their game against the Seattle Seahawks. Players Kenny Stills, Michael Thomas, Arian Foster, and Jelani Jenkins all made the gesture of solidarity during the anthem.
On Sunday afternoon, Upton ripped the players on Twitter:
This engendered some heat among leftists:
Upton then explained herself more fully:
Just to make her position absolutely clear, that protests were an American’s right but the national anthem should be respected, Upton explained further on Instagram:
In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.