Here’s how brands are responding to Trump’s criticism of the NFL anthem protests

AB InBev is a sponsor of the NFL.AP/Dave Einsel

Dozens of brands have been caught in the middle of controversy as President Trump has taken to Twitter to condemn NFL players’ protests during the national anthem.

The anthem protests, started by Colin Kaepernick last year, were meant to protest police brutality against black Americans.

Now, after President Trump derided players who have knee led during the anthem, the issue has blown up into a dangerous firestorm for brands trying to avoid controversy.

There are 35 brands sponsoring the NFL this year. Of those, a few have put out statements.

Most of the statements seem to neither support Trump’s criticisms nor the players who have protested during the national anthem, though a few go far enough to defend players.