Donald Trump Calls NFL QB Colin Kaepernick's Anthem Protest 'a Terrible Thing'

— -- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump entered the debate over the controversial protest of football player Colin Kaepernick today, calling his refusal to stand during the national anthem "a terrible thing" and saying that perhaps the quarterback should consider living elsewhere.

"I have followed it," Trump told Dori Monson on Seattle's KIRO radio station. "And I think it’s personally not a good thing. I think it’s a terrible thing. Maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try. It won’t happen."

On Friday, Kaepernick, a member of the San Francisco 49ers, remained seated on the bench during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to his team's game with the Green Bay Packers.

Kaepernick later explained that the demonstration was intended to be a protest of what he views as the oppression of African Americans in the United States. He also criticized both Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for prior comments on the subject.

Earlier today, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest called the act "objectionable" but noted Kaepernick's right to protest as he wishes.