NFL players kneel during national anthem with Mike Pence in attendance — then Pence does this

Vice President Mike Pence attended an Indianapolis Colts game on Sunday — but left abruptly after the actions of a few players.

What happened?

Pence, who served as the governor of Indiana before coming to the White House, attended the game with his wife, second lady Karen Pence.

But they left early after several players kneeled during the national anthem.

What did Pence say?

Pence wrote on Twitter after leaving that he "will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem."

He added: "At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience...now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us. While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem."

His office later released a complete statement:

I left today's Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem. At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience, now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us.

While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem. I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and National Anthem."

He then posted a picture of him and Mrs. Pence standing during the anthem:

Did Trump have anything to do with Pence leaving?

President Donald Trump has been outspoken about the kneeling protests over the last several weeks. So he made sure his administration was consistent with their position on Sunday.

He explained on Twitter after Pence left the stadium that he told his counterpart to leave if any players knelt during the anthem.