Game days generally unify the state of Wisconsin behind the Green Bay Packers. But this past Sunday, football divided state legislators along party lines.
Wisconsin Republican lawmakers took to social media Sunday to express displeasure over NFL players, including those on the Packers, kneeling during the national anthem.
Lawmakers all over the country voiced their opinions on the league-wide protest. These acts, performed by members of all NFL teams, came after comments by President Donald Trump criticized players for disrespecting the flag.
In Wisconsin, GOP legislators shared opinions through Facebook and Twitter, and they weren’t happy. State Rep. Jesse Kremer, R-Kewaskum, tweeted that he was "disgusted by the @packers” and that he had “had it with the @NFL.” State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, said explicitly that he would stop watching pro football.
“This day forward I will not support the NFL! Period,” Wanggaard wrote on Facebook. The comment resulted in over 200 reactions on Facebook and over 50 comments.
State Reps. John Jagler, R-Watertown, and Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, made cracks at the protest, as well as the Packers’ poor play.
“Maybe the Packers offensive line should stand arm and arm during plays,” Jagler wrote.
“Pack do not seem to be able to play politics and football at the same time. Hope they play better in the second half," Tusler wrote.
However, state Democrats largely voiced support for the protest.
"I support the @Packers right to kneel today during the anthem in a show of solidarity against prejudice & our divisive president. #takeaknee," Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, who recently announced a gubernatorial run, tweeted.
