Fresno County Sheriff’s Office invites NFL players on ride-alongs after anthem protests

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is inviting NFL players to go on ride-alongs with deputies “in response to national headlines.”

The sheriff’s office extended the invitation via Facebook on Thursday afternoon, saying it hopes a positive partnership would improve community relationships.

“We welcome the opportunity to share what we do and also want to hear the concerns of athletes. By working together, hopefully we can gain a better understanding of all viewpoints,” the post read.

The offer comes after NFL players earlier this week knelt or linked arms during the National Anthem before games. Their actions follow former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision last year to sit or kneel during the playing of the national anthem as a way to bring attention to what he called America’s oppression of blacks and other minorities.

The actions came in response to President Donald Trump’s comments and tweets saying protesting players should be fired.

The sheriff’s office post noted deputies work around the clock, so scheduling shouldn’t be an issue if an NFL player chooses to take up the ride-along offer.

“Players can visit us during their season or during their off-season. We work 24/7/365, so we can definitely accommodate your schedule. This offer does not expire. Please contact us if you are interested. We are looking forward to meeting you.”

This story was originally published September 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Fresno County Sheriff’s Office invites NFL players on ride-alongs after anthem protests."