Put that way, athletes do not owe the President blind allegiance.
However, not standing in support of one’s own country seems logically inconsistent when you are representing your country in a sport. Obviously the ability to publicly make such statements does attest to the greatness of our system, but I, for one, am left with a bad taste in my mouth. I feel this behavior actually cheapens the protester and our country by making the protester looking like a ungrateful and spoiled brat who seems to consider the expression of her political ideals as being more important than the primary reason fans come to watch the game: To have fun and get away from their increasingly over-politicized daily lives.
It is not President Donald Trump they are disrespecting when they refuse to stand for the US flag and anthem but, the US as a country. Other countries citizens (foreigners) are laughing at these same US women's soccer players because never would they do the same to their own country's flag and anthem! Have you seen any other so called athletes disrespect their own flag and anthem? These players only show their utter ignorance and stupidity!