during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 16, 2010 in Dover, Delaware.

NASCAR fans will stand and cheer when they hear what The King has to say about anthem protests


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President Donald Trump recently called out athletes kneeling for the national anthem, and he has been especially critical of players in the NFL and NBA.

Related: One issue threatens to overshadow everything that happens today in NASCAR and at NHMS

NASCAR drivers past and present, such as Austin Dillon and Tony Stewart weren't concerned about drivers kneeling for the national anthem. Team owner Richard Childress made a very strong statement regarding what he would do if someone on his team decided to kneel for the anthem, and he didn't mince words before Sunday's race at New Hampshire.

"Get you a ride on a Greyhound bus when the national anthem is over," Childress said. "Anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America."

Richard Petty said that anyone who doesn't stand for the anthem should be kicked out of the country.

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"Anybody that don't stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country," he said in remarks reported by the Associated Press. "Period. What got 'em where they're at? The United States."

Dillon told USA Today that NASCAR is a very patriotic sport and he doubts anything will happen at a NASCAR event.

"I don't know how it would go over with the fans - we're a very patriotic sport," Dillon said. "I think our sport does a good job of showing that every Saturday, Sunday of showing patriotism and what the flag means. Not only that, we have a lot of military out here each and every weekend.

"I've got SEAL guys that will personally text me and say, 'Hey, thank you for not moving around (during the anthem). ... It means a lot to them just to stand at attention."

It doesn't seem like any NASCAR driver or team member will protest and kneel for the anthem. Several NFL teams have decided to protest, but it likely won't carry over into NASCAR.

(h/t NBC Sports)

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