Professional football players became the latest subject of President Donald Trump's ire recently, as he went on a Twitter tirade against the players who in a silent protest chose not to stand for the national anthem during games over the weekend.

The series of tweets over three days from Trump included one post that read, “If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect … our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!”

The tweets prompted a response and backlash, including from team owners who have largely stood in unity with the players. The likelihood of potential terminations or even discipline seems remote at this point. But would the team or the National Football League itself have the power to fire or discipline these players for such a protest?