NASCAR Owners say they will fire Drivers who protest National Anthem

NASCAR doesn't fuck around. They have an expectation that their employees will demonstrate professionalism and civility. From Business Insider:

[NASCAR] team owners said they would come down hard on any drivers who did not stand during the national anthem. That included NASCAR legend Richard Petty, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports.

"Anybody that don’t [sic] stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country, period," Petty said[.] "What got ’em where they’re at? The United States."

When Petty was asked if his drivers would be fired if they protest during the anthem as Trump called for, Petty emphatically said, "You're right."

Athletes brought criticism upon themselves by visibly protesting the Flag and National Anthem. The issue of protesting "something" by athletes is not new and did not begin with what President Donald Trump said on Friday.

Ask the folks who experienced the recent hurricanes and flooding and fires if they care about the coddled, delicate, highly paid athletes whining about criticism for - really - what is nothing more than asking them to demonstrate a fraction of civility and professionalism.

I can respect an athlete who protests (anything) by not exiting the locker room until the National Anthem is finished. Their actions speak louder than those who feel the need to advertise protesting whatever it is they're protesting.