San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick holds a press conference on Sept. 1, 2016. (Deadspin)
After President Donald Trump alluded to controversial former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick a "son of a b*tch" during a rally in Alabama, Twitter exploded.
"Trump used harsher language to describe Kaepernick than he used for the Neo-Nazi who killed Heather Heyer," Christiana Mbakwe, a writer for "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah," tweeted.
"Colin Kaepernick is a real patriot and a fantastic human being," another user wrote. "Donald Trump is a tool and a traitor."
Others, like activist-journalist Shaun King, mused about how unusual (and dangerous) it is for a sitting president to use that type of language.
"The POTUS said son of a b*tch on primetime," one user noted. "What a time to be alive."
Read some of the best reactions below.
Prediction: Not one NFL owner, not Roger Goodell will say one word about what he said about Kaep or other NFL playe… https://t.co/Ac71qVPOqR— Jemele Hill (@Jemele Hill)1506130042.0
This is the President of the United States of America. Not to mention Kaepernick's not on a team. https://t.co/yidLC53Wwa— mike freeman (@mike freeman)1506128115.0
Why are you even bringing up Kaepernick's name at a political rally in Alabama? Never mind. I know the answer.— mike freeman (@mike freeman)1506129735.0
Donald Trump referred to Colin Kaepernick as a 'son of a bitch' at his Alabama rally? He didn't even call the #Charlottesville murderer that— Cyrus McQueen (@Cyrus McQueen)1506130965.0
"Get that son of a bitch off the field"- black man protesting racial injustice "Very fine people"- white people demanding racial injustice— Jared Rizzi (@Jared Rizzi)1506128411.0
Black man uses his position to draw attention to a controversial, important issue. White president calls him a son of a bitch.— Scott Weinberg (@Scott Weinberg)1506129374.0
Trump was quicker and more vehement in his hatred of Colin Kaepernick’s non-violent protest than he was of Nazis. Take note of that.— Anthony F. Irwin (@Anthony F. Irwin)1506128712.0
Ranting about "son of a bitch"es who disrespect the flag. "He's FIRED." Crowd might start a USA riot. https://t.co/tgcjAV2Glg— Amber Addison (@Amber Addison)1506127618.0
To be clear, Colin Kaepernick's "crime" is protesting systemic racism and police brutality. Trump called him a "son of a bitch" tonight.— Ben Gardner (@Ben Gardner)1506131057.0
Government figure says he hates when people exercise their Constitutional right to free speech: https://t.co/GCIS9CMLSY— jordan (@jordan)1506129144.0
Anyone unwilling to call Trump out as a white supremacist is a coward. And everyone who came for @jemelehill owes… https://t.co/MXlTR961vE— Lincoln Anthony Blades (@Lincoln Anthony Blades)1506128627.0
You asked for it. You got it. But don't talk about the meaning of the Constitution. It has none. https://t.co/JrNz9nROi2— Full Dissident (@Full Dissident)1506128782.0
Donald Trump referred to Colin Kaepernick as a 'son of a bitch' at his Alabama rally? He didn't even call the #Charlottesville murderer that— Cyrus McQueen (@Cyrus McQueen)1506130965.0
#Trump took a swipe @Kaepernick7 about players kneeling during the anthem but Trump is ok with the confederate flag… https://t.co/wqekrlJCnP— Joseph Esparza (@Joseph Esparza)1506127913.0
.@realDonaldTrump has attacked Colin Kaepernick with more conviction than he has NAZIS. 🤔— Michael Skolnik (@Michael Skolnik)1506130606.0
