Michigan State Police director to lose 5 days pay for calling NFL players 'ungrateful'

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Governor Rick Snyder has announced he is suspending pay for a Michigan State Police director for her comments regarding the National Anthem protests in the NFL.

Snyder said that Col. Kriste Etue will have a suspension of pay for 5 days while continuing to work.

Etue shared a post last month signed "we the people." It calls NFL players who kneel during the national anthem "millionaire ingrates who hate America and disrespect our armed forces and veterans."

Michigan State Police director apologizes for NFL protest post

The message shared Sunday by Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue called the players "millionaire ingrates who hate America and disrespect our armed forces and veterans." The posting also called the protesters "rich, entitled, ungrateful."

A statement from Etue later said it was a mistake to share the post and she'll "continue my focus on unity."

After MSP's investigation, Gov. Snyder released this statement:

"Colonel Etue posted something on social media that was inappropriate. She immediately apologized and has acted to demonstrate that apology, including facilitating meetings with various groups to hear concerns and to share the work the Michigan State Police does in cities and neighborhoods statewide to connect with the communities they serve and recruit new troopers from all backgrounds. I have full faith in Col. Etue's leadership as the commander of the Michigan State Police, which I believe to be the best law enforcement body in the nation. The Colonel has served honorably as an enlisted trooper for 30 years, and I hope we can come together as Michiganders to move forward and find common ground, rather than rehash past mistakes."