President Donald J. Trump attacked the National Football League (NFL) last month, specifically targeting those peacefully protesting by taking a knee during the national anthem. This was a very polarizing issue, and after the week of arguments, most people looked forward to watching football without politics playing a role in it. Unfortunately, Trump’s cabinet was not ready to let this issue go.

Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States, attended a San Francisco 49er- Indianapolis Colts game earlier this month.  This was not controversial, as Pence was previously the Governor of Indiana, so it would make sense that he see a Colts game. The issue arose when Pence left immediately after the national anthem, which of course he stood for. Citing kneeling 49er players as a reason for leaving, Pence’s publicity stunt left the country again divided. Many were satisfied with Pence’s actions, saying he made a point, and that those who disrespected the American flag didn’t deserve respect from the Vice President. However, others were against this publicity stunt from Trump’s cabinet. They were concerned with the hefty price tag of $242,500, which covered Pence’s airfare to and from the game.

Jacob Park understands why Pence acted the way he did, saying, “I respect the philosophy behind why they do not like to see people protesting, but they’re not disrespecting the flag or the people that fought. They’re protesting police brutality.”

As of now, the feud between the Trump administration and the NFL is not over, and we could only hope that the executive branch returns to real issues.