evidence: On Aug. 25, 2023, SpaceXMania published an article positing that Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had "clearly and unequivocally" threatened to fire any player who kneeled during the national anthem "on the spot," sparking a "nationwide debate on patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes in social and political activism." Breaking: Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Warns He Will Fire Players Who Kneel During National Anthem The NFL has always been a stage for not only breathtaking games but also a place where cultural and political statements have found a home. Perhaps no issue has been as contentious and divisive in recent years as the protests during the national anthem. At the forefront of this discussion is Pittsburgh Steelers’ Head Coach, Mike Tomlin, who has recently warned that he may fire players who kneel during the national anthem. This decision has ignited conversations across the nation, prompting fans, critics, and fellow athletes to weigh in.