Donald Trump: NFL’s ratings are down because of Colin Kaepernick

He also called politics a “rougher game” than football.

At a rally in Colorado on Sunday, Republican candidate for president Donald Trump said the NFL’s declining ratings are due in part to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

“I don’t know if you know, but the NFL is way down in their ratings. Way down,” Trump said. “And you know why? Two reasons. Number one is, this politics they’re finding is a rougher game than football, and more exciting.

“Honestly, we’ve taken a lot of people away from the NFL. And the other reason is Kaepernick. Kaepernick.”

• MMQB: Fans explain NFL’s ratings decline

Kaepernick has been voicing concerns over racial inequality and police violence by kneeling during the national anthem before games since the preseason. Trump has called this “a terrible thing” in the past. The veteran signalcaller responded by saying that “America has never been great for people of color.”

Monday Night Football ratings are down 24% from this time last year. Sunday Night Football is down 19% and Thursday night is down 18%.