I think it's wishful thinking on the part of the Wash Post and those who want to goad the players on into further conflict (for the media's and Left's benefit) to suggest the players have a tenable position based on Trump's tweets. 

Also, the idea that the President can't change or influence tax law went out the door with Obamacare, where we learned via the Roberts' Court that you can be forced by the government to pay a tax/fee for not even partaking in a product. The government has the ultimate power to do whatever it wishes whenever. 

Lastly, the players should just stick to playing the game. This is no different than when they unnecessarily rough up another player, or show off in the endzone or in front of another player excessively. You're just causing damage to the team/game. They don't even have a solid message. Some are doing it for their teammates, while others don't know why, and just want to move on. If you don't know what and why you're doing it, don't do it.