‘Disgraceful’: Trump remains focused on attacking NFL players during ‘Fox & Friends’ interview

President Donald Trump is continuing his war on NFL players -- one week after he created a firestorm by calling protesting players " son's of bitches" -- telling a Fox New host that their actions are "disgraceful."

Speaking with Fox & Friends co-host Peter Hegseth, Trump was not willing to move on.

“You have certainly started a national conversation this week, Mr. President, on the NFL,” Hegseth suggested. “Your critics say it’s been a distraction, but you say it’s critical, you talk about words like ‘patriotism’ and ‘citizenship.' Why is this such an important issue for you?”

“The NFL cannot disrespect our country, they cannot disrespect our flag or our national anthem.” Trump continued. “And they can’t have people sitting down or kneeling down during our national anthem.”

“I have so many friends that are owners,” the president continued. “They’re in a box. I’ve spoken to a couple of them, they said we are in a situation where we have to do something. I think they’re afraid of their players…and I think it’s disgraceful.”

After claiming that the NFL's TV ratings are down, Trump continued, "When it comes to the respect of our nation, when it comes to the respect of our anthem and our flag — they have no choice. You have to have people stand with respect."

Watch the interview below via Twitter:

EXCLUSIVE: @PeteHegseth interviewed @POTUS on national anthem protests pic.twitter.com/LJhOK9nTmw

— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) September 28, 2017