By Phil Helsel
NBC News
October 1, 2017
Former CIA Director John Brennan on Saturday defended football players who take a knee during the national anthem in what they say is a protest of racial inequality, and seemed to suggest President Donald Trump’s focus on the issue is misplaced.
“Taking a knee during the national anthem shows respect for the flag and for all those who fought and died for it and, at the same time, concern about problems within American society that need to be addressed,” Brennan said in a statement released by former deputy chief of staff Nick Shapiro.