NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. voices support for peaceful protests in America and the NFL

The popular NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. opposes the views of several NASCAR figures and cited Americans' rights to protest

Story by CBS Sports
Written by Pete Blackburn

Over the weekend, several NASCAR team owners made it clear that they didn't want any displays of protest during the national anthem. While many NFL players and other figures across the league found various ways to protest President Trump's comments about firing players who kneel or sit during the anthem, numerous figures across NASCAR supported the President's statement.

Team owners Richard Childress and Richard Petty were both quite outspoken regarding the possibility of protests, even going as far as to threaten termination for any employees who protested during the anthem.

"Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period," Petty said, via the Associated Press. "What got 'em where they're at? The United States."

Petty went on to say that any protestors would be fired from Richard Petty Motorsports, and Childress echoed that statement to his team.

"It'll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus," Childress said.

On Monday morning, the President tweeted his support for NASCAR.

Donald J. Trump ✔ @realDonaldTrump: "So proud of NASCAR and its supporters and fans. They won't put up with disrespecting our Country or our Flag - they said it loud and clear!"

But at least one key NASCAR figure isn't on board with Trump's comments or the threats from team owners. Shortly after Trump's tweet Monday, iconic driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. sent out a message supporting the rights of Americans to a peaceful protest. He drove home his message with a quote from President John F. Kennedy.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ✔ @DaleJr: "All Americans R granted rights 2 peaceful protests
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable-JFK"

It's not the first time that Earnhardt has disagreed with policies and views of the President, but it will be interesting to see how his stance is received by the NASCAR community, much of which seems to be in agreement with Trump. No protests were made before Sunday's race in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Will any owners, drivers or fans be willing to change their stance on the peaceful protests after Junior -- one of the sport's most popular figures -- came out with a strong message of support? Maybe not, but now it's clear that the owners' view of the protests is certainly not unanimous across NASCAR.
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