Governor Rauner says that he strongly disagrees with NFL players protesting during the national anthem.

Before entering politics, Rauner was a successful businessman, and still currently owns a piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All but one of the Steelers stayed in the locker room during the the playing of the national anthem at Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago.

In a statement, the first term republican says that the protesters are “disrespecting” the country’s foundations and veterans.  Adding that the players have the freedom of expression and can “choose to be disrespectful.”