Michigan State Police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue faces an internal investigation for sharing a meme critical of NFL players’ taking a knee during pre-game national anthem.
On Sunday, Sept. 24, she shared a meme on her personal Facebook page that reads:
“Dear NFL: We will not support millionaire ingrates who hate America and disrespect our Armed Forces and Veterans. Who wins a football game has ZERO impact on our lives. Who fights for and defends our nation has EVERY impact on our lives. We stand with the Heroes, not a bunch of rich, entitled, arrogant, ungrateful, anti-American degenerates. Signed, We the People.”
The meme is an apparent criticism of NFL players who refuse to stand during pre-game national anthem. Many have taken a knee instead, some have raised fists, and some have been sitting or even stretching during the anthem.
The activity started as a protest against instances where police appear to kill a black person without due cause. Some have used such incidents to accuse police in general of racism.
Not standing during the national anthem has been traditionally considered disrespectful for Americans, especially to people who have signed up to risk their lives for the country—soldiers and veterans.
President Donald Trump has criticized the players who chose this form of protest.
Etue has apologized for posting the critical meme and deleted it.
“It was a mistake to repost this meme on Facebook and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended. I will continue my focus on unity at the Michigan State Police and in communities across Michigan,” she said in a statement.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said he won’t fire Etue.
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