Dale Earnhardt Jr.: All Americans have right to 'peaceful protests'

Dale Earnhardt Jr. lent his support for the right to protest peacefully Monday following President Donald Trump's criticism of athletes who kneel during the national anthem.

While NFL teams engaged in widespread protests during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Sunday, it appeared no NASCAR drivers, crew, or other team members protested ahead of the Cup Series playoff race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

When asked about the possibility of one of his drivers protesting, Richard Childress said "It'll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus," adding that he told his team that "anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America," according to the Associated Press.

Hall of Famer Richard Petty also spoke out against protesting.

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

Trump praised NASCAR and its fans Monday, tweeting that it "won't put up" with disrespecting the U.S.