VP Pence leaves NFL game after players protest during anthem

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U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to a crowd of people and signs an executive order policy at the Manuel Artime Theater in the Little Havana neighborhood of Cuba. The President will reinstate some of the restrictions on travel to Cuba, as well as U.S. business dealings with entities tied to the Cuban military and intelligence services. Featuring: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Where: Miami, Florida, United States When: 16 Jun 2017 Photo: WENN/Credit: Johnny Louis/WENN.com

MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence left the 49ers-Colts game after about a dozen San Francisco players took a knee during the national anthem Sunday.

The former Indiana governor flew in so he could watch Peyton Manning’s jersey retirement ceremony. Pence didn’t stick around long.

Pence said on Twitter: “I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.”

The White House also issued a statement from Pence, in which he says Americans should rally around the flag. Pence said: “I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem.”

President Donald Trump later tweeted: “I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.”

I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Pence is a noted sports fan and it was the second major event he’s attended in his home state since taking office in January. He also attended May’s Indianapolis 500, a family tradition.

Manning became the first Indianapolis-era player in Colts history to have his number retired. He also was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.

Pence flew in on Saturday after a statue of Manning was unveiled, an event attended by a number of luminaries including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Instead, Pence spent most of Saturday honoring victims of the Las Vegas shooting before returning to his home state.

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For more AP NFL coverage: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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