Odell Sets Anti-NFL 'Stand For America' Rally

UPDATE: Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has moved the rally to Laura Spain Cornerstone Park, at the corner of Fair Street at Route 52. The time is still 10 a.m.

CARMEL, NY — Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell is weighing in on the weekend war between the President of the United States and the National Football League. She sent out this press release on Monday:

In light of the recent actions by some of the NFL players. I am standing up for America on Lake Gleneida at 10:00 am this Sunday, October 1st. I am asking all of you, your family and friends to join me. Let’s make this a huge event and show how Putnam County Stands up for America. Thank you.

NFL players had protested in far greater number than usual on Sunday after President Donald Trump attacked the league. The issue of standing for the anthem skyrocketed to the forefront Friday when, during a campaign rally in Alabama, President Trump profanely called for the firing of NFL players who practice their First Amendment rights on the football field by kneeling during the national anthem in protest to police brutality. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The attacks only intensified from there. Trump was still tweeting about the issue Monday morning.

SEE ALSO: NFL Airs Unity Ad During Primetime Sunday

Pro athletes largely stood united against Trump's attacks on those practicing their First Amendment rights. Trump said his words have nothing to do with race and it was about respecting the country and the flag, but the protests started by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick last year were in response to racial injustice and are about taking a stand for the oppressed.

NASCAR officials said they publicly supported Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s stance on the issue. One of the sport’s most popular drivers, Earnhardt called the right to peacefully protest an American right. But NASCAR legend Richard Petty said he supports firing protesting employees. “Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got 'em where they're at? The United States,” the Charlotte Observer reported him saying.

SEE ALSO:

• Man Who Takes A Knee For NFL Will Surprise You
  
• NASCAR Star Doesn't Agree With Trump On Protests

Image/ Putnam County

Patch Editors Kimberly Johnson and Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this report.

Editor's note: The sub-headline on this article has been revised for clarity. The county executive called on all Putnam residents to react to the NFL protest against President Donald Trump's remarks but did not ask them to support the president's fight with the players.

SEE: Odell Changes Location Of Anthem Rally Sunday