Pence leaves Colts game after anthem protest

INDIANAPOLIS — Vice President Mike Pence, who was attending the Indianapolis Colts game against San Francisco, left Lucas Oil Stadium after several players protested against police brutality during the national anthem by taking a knee.

Approximately 20 49ers knelts during the anthem, with many of their teammates standing behind them. The Colts stood in unison.

"I left today's Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem," Pence said in a statement on Twitter statement.

President trump later tweeted that he had asked Pence to leave the game should any players take a knee during the National Anthem.

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Non-violent protests have been in the spotlight and caused debates all across the board since President Trump publicly criticized athletes who didn't stand up for the National Anthem.

MORE: 17 Patriots take a knee during national anthem

Colin Kaepernick was alone in first protesting the oppression of people of color and the ongoing issues with police brutality in the country back in August 2016. However, it wasn't long before other players began to join Kaepernick in making non-violent demonstrations during NFL games.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell, NFL owners and players have since come together in solidarity to those who chose to protest the anthem and have taken a stance against President Trump's "divisive comments". 

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