By Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com [email protected]
CHARDON, Ohio — The Geauga County Sheriff on Tuesday barred any of his deputies from working off-duty security at future Cleveland Browns games because of their protest during the national anthem.
Sheriff Scott A. Hildenbrand in a memo to his employees posted on Facebook said the Browns protest, which came in response to President Donald Trump’s statements that NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired, was “disrespectful” to veterans and police officers alike.
“I’m concerned when the main act stands in front of the crowd, before the game even starts, and commits a blatant disrespectful act towards our flag, our Country, our Veterans and our first responders,” Hildenbrand’s memo said. “If they do not have respect for us and our Country only bad things will come of that. We will not be a part of these activities.”
Trump’s comments about the protests drew condemnation from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and several team owners, including Jimmy and Dee Haslam.
At least 20 Browns players kneeled during the national anthem prior to Sunday’s game in Indianapolis. Some Colts fans jeered the players. The league-wide protests started last season by Colin Kaepernick are in response to several social issues including racial inequality and police brutality. Those demonstrations have never directly targeted the flag or the U.S. military.