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INDIANAPOLIS -- Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, and his wife left Lucas Oil Stadium when the visiting San Francisco 49ers knelt during the national anthem before Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pence was on hand to celebrate former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning's induction into the franchise's Ring of Honor.
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"I left today's Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our flag, or our National Anthem," Pence tweeted. "At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience, now, more than ever, we should rally around our flag and everything that unites us."
One 49ers player took offense to Pence's reaction after the Colts' 26-23 overtime victory.
"So this looks like a PR stunt to me," 49ers safety Eric Reid said. "He knew our team has had the most players protest. He knew that we were probably going to do it again. This is what systemic oppression looks like.
"A man with power comes to the game, tweets a couple of things out and leaves the game with an attempt to thwart our efforts. Based on the information I have, that is the assumption I've made."
NBC News reported that reporters were told before the game there could be "an early departure."
Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said after the game that he had no reaction to Pence's decision to leave Lucas Oil Stadium on Manning's special day.
Tough grader
Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton caught seven passes for 177 yards, but gave himself a low game grade.
It is the 26th time he has caught passes for at least 100 yards in a game.
"I got a C-minus today," Hilton said. "Dropped the one early, but it kind of got me going. It got me back refocused. I should have caught it, but at the end of the day, we got the win. I was able to make a couple of more plays, but I will still give myself a C-minus."
Frustration continues
The 49ers are 0-5, including four losses by a total of 11 points of which two -- 18-15 to the Arizona Cardinals and 26-23 to the Colts -- were in overtime.
San Francisco plays four of its next six games at home.
Crazy game
Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw an interception in overtime, but Indianapolis found a way to win.
"That's a great team win," Brissett said. "We needed a win like that when things go against us that we can battle back and fight through. That is why Adam Vinatieri is the greatest kicker of all time, just for plays like that." Vinatieri kicked a 51-yard field goal to win the game.
Brissett, who continues to fill in for injured Andrew Luck, completed 22 of 34 passes for 314 yards. In his fourth start, Brissett was sacked four times for minus-26 yards.
