Restaurant owner says NFL players who kneel should be ‘executed’

RACINE, Wis. — A co-owner of a Racine restaurant posted on social media Monday night, saying NFL players who kneel before games should be executed.

According to the Racine Journal Times , multiple screenshots circulating on social media show Reefpoint Brew House co-owner John Valko advocating for the killing of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem before games, something more than 200 players did on Sunday.

“Kill the idiot players,” Valko wrote. “Execute them. They are nothing but garbage. The league is screwed up if they think it is their right. It is their duty to respect our country and our flag. They should go kneel in front of a freight train. Shame on these stupid misfits of society. They need to die.”

The post has since been deleted.

One of the other two owners, Megan Bennett, told the Journal Times the other owners disagree with Valko’s comment.

“They are in no way, shape or form the beliefs or reflections of Reefpoint Brew House,” Bennett told the Journal Times.

The restaurant posted a statement on its Facebook page Tuesday night.

“Following our attorney’s advice, we posted the previous statement. However, after reading comments and reviews, we realize that it came off too light. We co-owners of Reefpoint Brew House STRONGLY DISAGREE with all statements, posts, comments, etc. that have been posted by John Valko,” the statement said. “Those statements are no reflection of the beliefs and values that we or Reefpoint Brew House hold. We are working internally to resolve these issues and deeply apologize for the actions and statements that have been made. We are doing everything internally to disassociate ourselves and our business with John Valko.”

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