Trump threatens to kill tax breaks for NFL stadiums; Goodell tells teams to stand for anthem
President Trump escalated his battle with pro football players protesting the national anthem by urging the government Tuesday to end use of tax-exempt municipal bonds used to build or renovate National Football League stadiums.
It remains to be seen how the league follows through on that stance, but it suggests the NFL is feeling the heat from a president who has spent the better part of a month blasting the anthem protests and turning the issue into a major dividing line in American society.
“Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!” Mr. Trump wrote Tuesday morning on Twitter.
He also took aim at ESPN, saying the network — which airs “Monday Night Football” — is struggling for viewers while employing broadcasters who have defended the players’ kneel-down protests.
While the president didn’t indicate exactly what he had in mind, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr. Trump was referring to “billions of taxpayer dollars” that have subsidized the construction of professional sports stadiums
