During the 2017 NFL preseason leading up to start of the regular season, several players around the league began to take a knee during the American national anthem as a way to silent protest Police brutality and Racial inequality. The silent

protest, started by Colin Kaepernick during the 2016 preseason and continued on each game of the regular season, has become a widespread act in the league that has divided fans and people across the United States. The protests' opponents have stated that the protests are unpatriotic and disrespectful of the U.S. Flag and military. ^{[6] [18]}

On September 23rd, 2017, just before the start of week 3 of the NFL Regular season, during his speech in Huntsville, Alabama, Donald Trump made a contentious statement about the NFL silent protest that is as follows: ^[16]

Once the sensationalists remarks were made by Donald Trump, a backlash by NFL players, activists, and millions of people ensued.

^[18]Trump then took to Twitter to reemphasize his opposition to the protest by tweeting that it's un-American,

disrespectful to the Military, and offensive to the American flag.

^{[23] [22] [21]}

When week 3 of the NFL games took place, more than 200 players performed the silent protest in a number of ways.

During the American anthem, many locked arms while standing, some chose to stay inside the locker rooms, while the majority took a knee in unison out in the field.

^[12]

As a response to the silent protest, many fans around the country responded by burning their NFL collectibles and jerseys while several establishments have declared their opposition as well.

Restaurants around the country have chosen to ban the viewing of NFL games at their locale as the owners believe that it is offensive to American values and a disrespect to the military and veterans who have served the country.

^{[2] [30]}

The restaurants have a reputation for fans congregating to watch NFL games at their establishments.

^{[8] [6]}The following is a list of restaurants around the country that have banned the viewing of NFL games ^[6]:

"NFL Update. Until further notice, Sarita's has decided not to broadcast any future NFL games or the NFL Network.

We respect everyone's right to freedom of speech; however, we do not support anyone that disrespects our Flag, our Country and the people who have fought and/or died for the freedoms that we have."

^[6]

First statement: "Borio's Restaurant is thankful to be in America!

Due to the recent decision of the Pittsburg Stealers team to stay in the locker room during out country's National

Anthem the Borio family will no longer show the NFL in our restaurant.

If and when this disrespect ends we will be happy to show this product on our restaurant again.

America is great we can all make decisions!"^[6]

Second Statement:

"We would like to thank everyone for all your comments.

This will be our final comment on the NFL subject.

First, we would like to make it clear that we did not post or have our sign posted to the web.

Our intention was never to seek publicity or incite political arguments.

Our action is purely a sign of patriotism.

We respect the National Anthem, the United States flag, the military and all people of this country.

We hold these values near and dear to our heart.

Therefore, we stand by our initial post.

We will not air any NFL games at Borio's Restaurant"^[6]

"I apologize to all of our guests but we will not be viewing the Saints game today in house.

Some of our local players chose to sit during the National Anthem, which will not be supported or praised at WOW.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this ^{[6] [7]}

"So after this past weekend with the NFL Cooper’s will be joining Borio’s and NOT

airing the NFL games enough is enough its time for these million dollar snowfakes to stop disrespecting the Men-Women-Dogs that signed a blank check for them to act like this Hopefully things will change WE will be airing Baseball-Hockey-Mud-Water & Snow sports with Specials United We Stand".

^[6]

"NOTICE: There will be no viewing of any televised NFL games on any of the six big screen TV's until further notice.

For the 99 great things being an American Citizen affords us, there will always be that 1 that ignites some.

Freedom of speech being exercised in this establishment so COME FOR THE FOOD BUT STAY AT HOME IF YOU WANT TO WATCH AN NFL GAME :) Put your money where your mouth is...Semper Fi."

^[6]

The following statements were made by the owner, David Mccraw:

"No NFL games will be played at Palmetto Ale House until every player stands in respect to our flag and our country.

This is a position that I'm going to take and I hope you will support me."

In interview with the local news station:

"Where my issue is, is the dissemination of the message.

I support the players to the point where they take the knee.

When they take the knee, it's total disrespect to our flag, to our country, and in my opinion it's too far."

^[6]

"We might lose some clients over this but I feel that it’s the right thing to do.

Until the NFL comes to its senses on this National Anthem tragedy, we will no longer be showing NFL games at our restaurant.

You can still view the college games on Saturday, and we will still be open on Sundays.

But my grandfathers fought for our country for that symbol.

They lost friends and brothers.

My father served under that flag.

My grandfather was awarded the Purple Heart with that flag flying high!!

And I will not allow anyone to prosper hiding behind the very freedom it created!!

So until further notice, we will not be showing the NFL games."

^[6]

Many of the restaurants made statements on their Facebook pages about their decisions regardless of whether they lose business or not, so many internet users and followers of the establishments also lent them their opinions as well. ^[9]Many have left 1 star reviews as well as post expressing their condemnation for the decisions made by the restaurants. ^[5]