Trump allies go on offense over NFL controversy

Amid the controversy surrounding NFL protests, and President Trump's call for players who join in to be fired or suspended, the pro-Trump outside group America First Policies released an ad calling on supporters to boycott the NFL.

"Turn off the NFL ... #TakeAStandNotAKnee" the ad reads. Here's who else has backed up Trump's comments:

Trump administration officials and allies played defense for the president on TV Sunday:

• Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin: "They have the right to have their First amendment off the field. This is a job."
• Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short: "What's unfortunate is when [the Golden State Warriors] try to politicize an invitation to come from the White House ... It's not necessary to make this into a political argument."
• Former Rep. Newt Gingrich: "I feel really sad at the cowardice of people like [NFL comissioner] Roger Goodell who are going to preside over the decay of American institutions rather than take on young players."

And some congressional Republicans echoed Trump's sentiment, but did not openly condone the president's remarks:

• Sen. John Cornyn: It's "profoundly ungrateful given the sacrifice of our military ... not to demonstrate respect for the flag."
• Sen. Ted Cruz: "I, for one, am not a fan of rich, spoiled athletes disrespecting the flag."