Here's how brands are responding to Trump's criticism of the NFL anthem protests

Dozens of brands have been caught in the middle of controversy as President Trump $4 NFL players' protests during the national anthem.

The anthem protests, started by Colin Kaepernick last year, were meant to protest police brutality against black Americans.

Now, after President Trump derided $4 during the anthem, the issue has blown up into a dangerous firestorm for brands trying to avoid controversy.

There are 35 brands sponsoring the NFL this year. Of those, a few have put out statements.

Most of the statements seem to neither support Trump's criticisms nor the players who have protested during the national anthem, though a few go far enough to defend players.