Supermodel Kate Upton blasted several NFL players for kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem during kickoff Sunday of the NFL season, which this year coincided with the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
"Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country," Upton wrote on her Instagram on Sunday. "Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific."
It was an uncharacteristic commentary on a political or social issue for the Sports Illustrated cover model. Upton is enaged to Justin Verlander, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
The four players who caught Upton's ire were Miami Dolphin's running back Arian Foster, outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, free safety Michael Thomas and wide receiver Kenny Stills — who were down on their right knee as the song played before the Dolphins' 12-10 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday.
"I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary," Upton wrote.
Upton's post quickly caught the attention of both supporters, and some high profile detractors, including Soledad O'Brien and former CNN commentator Roland Martin.
The players' decisions to not stand during the anthem was the latest in a series of protests undertaken by several professional athletes in recent weeks, with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick beginning the demonstration prior to a preseason game last month.
Foster tweeted hours following the game, "Don't put your hatred in our hearts. I love this country. Don't let the love for a symbol overrule the love for your fellow human."