CHICAGO, Illinois -- The Pittsburgh Steelers remained in the locker room during the National Anthem Sunday, September 24, at Solider Field in Chicago.
The unprecedented show of resistance comes after President Donald Trump called on NFL teams to suspend or fire any players who choose to kneel or who refuse to stand during the National Anthem. The president followed up to those comments Sunday morning, encouraging fans to "refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our flag and country" on Twitter.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, made comments in response to the recent tweets and about the decision to remain in the locker room.
"We're not participating in the anthem today. Not to be disrespectful to the anthem, to remove ourselves from the circumstance." Tomlin said on CBS Sports Sunday.
“These are some very divisive times for our country,” Tomlin said. “For us as a football team, it’s about us remaining solid." Tomlin said. "We’re not going to be divided by anything said by anyone.”
The Steelers lost to the Chicago Bears 23-17 in overtime.