The protests by National Football League players this weekend sparked raw emotions and striking images. Standing with arms linked, they opposed comments by President Trump Friday that those who kneel during the national anthem to protest police violence were “sons of b-----s” who should be “fired.”

Before this weekend, the NFL’s relationship with protesting players was at best awkward. There was support, but it was muted.

Why? Some 63 percent of white Americans say the protests are inappropriate, according to one poll. But 70 percent of NFL players are black, and 74 percent of black Americans support the protests. This weekend, the NFL took a side.

There were boos. A former New England Patriots player said he was “ashamed” by players kneeling. A current Patriots player saw something different in his teammates.

“One thing about football is that it brings so many guys together, guys that you would never have the opportunity to be around,” said quarterback Tom Brady, a Trump supporter, on Monday. “We’re all different. We’re all unique. That’s what makes us all so special.”

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