President Trump blasted the NFL for “getting massive tax breaks” while players protest during the national anthem and suggested changing tax law —…
President Trump blasted the NFL for “getting massive tax breaks” while players protest during the national anthem and suggested changing tax law — even though the league gave up its tax-exempt status years ago.
” Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!,” the president wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
The NFL voluntarily dropped its tax exempt status in April 2015 after lawmakers questioned whether the billion-dollar sports league deserved the tax break.
In a memo to Congress and team owners, NFL Commissioner Roger Godell called the tax-exempt status a “distraction” that “has been mischaracterized repeatedly.”
“The fact is that the business of the NFL has never been tax exempt,” he continued . “Every dollar of income generated through television rights fees, licensing agreements, sponsorships, ticket sales, and other means is earned by the 32 clubs and is taxable there.”
Trump has been feuding with the NFL since he gave a speech last month urging owners to fire “son of a bitch” players who take a knee during the national anthem.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s fired,’” Trump said during a speech in Alabama.
On Sunday, Vice President Pence walked out of a Indianapolis Colts game after more than 20 members of the San Francisco 49ers took a knee during the national anthem.
Trump said he told Pence to leave the game if the players protested.
“I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.,” Trump wrote on Twitter later Sunday.
