Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh React to Trump's NFL Comments

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh are speaking out about President Donald Trump's comments regarding NFL players who kneel during the national anthem.

According to Masslive, Baker said Monday that Trump should focus on other issues.

"As is often the case with this type of thing, I think the most important thing for me is I think the president should focus on what I would call presidential issues," Baker said. "We have plenty of them to deal with and let the players play."

Walsh echoed the same sentiment while talking to reporters on Monday in Boston.

"The president should just stay out of some things," Walsh said. "His comments a couple days beforehand sparked a lot of conversation development."

Trump said during a rally in Alabama on Friday that NFL players should be fired for kneeling during the national anthem. He then tweeted Saturday, "If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!"

The comments sparked controversy among many NFL players and owners — many of whom kneeled during games on Sunday in protest.

The mayor said although he doesn't agree with players kneeling, he said it's a free country and it's their choice to do so.

"I think that the fact people do that is fine," he said.

Baker also agreed with people's right to free speech.

"That said, I stand for the national anthem, but it's a free country and people have the right to exercise their First Amendment rights here, and that's as it should be," Baker said to Masslive.

Walsh weighed in on Sunday's statement by Patriots owner Robert Kraft who said he was "extremely disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the president."

The mayor said he supports Kraft and that the president should stay out of sports.

"Bob Kraft put a pretty strong statement out that he was not pleased with the president's words there and actions there," Walsh said. "That's not his area. Stay out of sports."