Following comments by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay which were critical of national anthem protests against racism, Terricka Cromartie, wife of Antonio Cromartie, contends that the Colts released her husband Antonio Cromartie because of his national anthem protests. This is the first report of an NFL player being released as a direct result of a national anthem protest. The Indianapolis Colts deny that the national anthem protests affected its October 4, 2016 decision to release Antonio Cromartie. ESPN.com.