Kate Upton Slams Athletes Kneeling on 9/11 as a 'Disgrace'

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. 

This is unacceptable. You should be proud to be an American. Especially on 9/11 when we should support each other. https://t.co/qFozwaH9Bu

— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 11, 2016

Read my Instagram post. They have every right and SHOULD protest just not during those 2minutes on 9/11 https://t.co/ecBMmUifnw

— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) September 12, 2016

In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful. After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.

A photo posted by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on Sep 11, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT

"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.

So in your world, the protests should take place on 9.10 or 9.12, just not 9/11? You are contradicting yourself. https://t.co/lXuyzRzHl2

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) September 12, 2016

Maybe you can be proud to be an American and also protest those things that you think aren't so great about America. https://t.co/klwSIB4DNR

— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) September 11, 2016

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."