TV Colbert to Trump: Kneeling 'has everything to do with race — just like your presidency' The 'Late Show' host criticized the president's take on NFL players kneeling during the national anthem By Derek Lawrence Derek Lawrence I currently write about Fast & Furious, The Office, and Will Smith. One day, I will write Hitch 2. EW's editorial guidelines Published on September 25, 2017 11:05PM EDT In response to Donald Trump’s criticism of the NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem, Stephen Colbert is throwing a flag — a Confederate flag. During Monday’s Late Show, the host was the latest to speak out against the president’s weekend battle against the league and the players who weren’t standing for the pre-game anthem in protest of police brutality and racial injustice. Trump had called them “son of a bitch,” adding they should be “fired.” “That was unnecessary roughness,” quipped Colbert. “There should be a flag on that play. And I’m going to say, a Confederate flag.” Trump’s remarks led to even more players participating in the protest on Sunday, including several teams deciding to stay in their locker room during the anthem. Despite the majority of those who chose to kneel being black, the president insisted race wasn’t a factor in his argument, tweeting on Monday, “The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race.” “Wrong,” Colbert declared. “Kneeling during the national anthem has everything to do with race — just like your presidency. Watch the clip above. Late Show airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.