Reports: 200 Players Protested During US National Anthem on Sunday, Sept. 24

Terrance Smith No. 48, Eric Fisher No. 72, Demetrius Harris No. 84, and Cameron Erving No. 75 of the Kansas City Chiefs are seen taking a knee before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on Sept. 24, 2017 in Carson, Calif. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

At least 200 players took a knee during the U.S. national anthem on Sunday, and that number is likely to increase on Monday night when the Arizona Cardinals face the Dallas Cowboys.

According to the New York Post’s tally, “more than 200 NFL players” sat, raised a fist, or took a knee. Fox Sports also reported that about 200 players took knees.

The anthem protests were started last season when former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during preseason games, drawing intense media scrutiny. Kaepernick and others said they’re protesting against police brutality and racism in the United States. But many critics have said that the protest shows disrespect to the national anthem and the United States itself.

Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said that regarding his team members protesting, he doesn’t expect any. “I don’t,” he said in response to questions about whether players will protest, according to the Dallas News.

“That is an individual right of an American,” Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said of the protests.

Arians reportedly spoke with his team about the situation, according to Arizonasports.com.

It comes after President Donald Trump slammed the protesters.

Members of the Detroit Lions take a knee during the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on Sept. 24, 2017 in Detroit, Mich. (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

“This has nothing to do with race,” Trump tweeted. “This has to do with respect for our country.”

He also tweeted a hashtag: “#StandForOurAnthem.”

“Many people booed the players who knelt yesterday (which was a small percentage of total). These are fans who demand respect for our Flag,” the president added.

Alejandro Villanueva No. 78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands by himself in the tunnel for the national anthem prior to the game against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 24, 2017, in Chicago, Ill. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

His comments were slammed by NFL executives, many team owners, and a number of the star players. One of the executives, Patriots owner Bob Kraft, didn’t agree with Trump’s comments.

“I like Bob very much. He’s my friend. He gave me a Super Bowl ring a month ago. So he’s a good friend of mine and I want him to do what he wants to do,” Trump said, per the Seattle Times.

Some fans have burned NFL team memorabilia (YouTube screenshots)

“We have great people representing our country, especially our soldiers our first responders, and they should be treated with respect,” he added. “And when you get on your knee and you don’t respect the American flag or the anthem.”