UPDATE: NFL Announces New National Anthem Policy
UPDATE: Wednesday, May 23:
NFL owners voted for a new national anthem policy that requires players and team officials to stand if they are on the field. The policy does permit players and others to remain in the locker room until the performance of the anthem is over.
Under the new policy, teams will be fined if a player or any other team personnel do not show “respect” during the anthem, which includes kneeling during the song.
“We want people to be respectful of the national anthem,” commissioner Roger Goodell said, per ESPN. “We want people to stand — that’s all personnel — and make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That’s something we think we owe. [But] we were also very sensitive to give players choices.”
Below is CMN’s original story, published on May 22:
NFL owners had a meeting on Tuesday, reportedly to consider a new punishment for players who choose to kneel during the national anthem.
Under the proposal, the home team would decide whether or not both teams are on the field for the anthem, and if so, 15-yard penalties would be handed out to anyone who kneels, Sports Illustrated reported.
Per sources, one anthem idea being discussed: Leaving it up to home team on whether teams come out for the anthem; if teams do come out for the anthem, potential that teams could be assessed 15-yard penalties for kneeling.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 22, 2018
Colin Kaepernick, the first NFL player to kneel during the national anthem in protest of police brutality, started a trend that was later adopted by many other players, including former teammate Eric Reid.
Kaepernick and Reid, who are now two unsigned free agents, are currently suing the league, alleging that the NFL teams are colluding to keep them unemployed.
Twitter users from both sides of the argument voiced their opinion on the potential penalty, although some responded more seriously than others.
PA should not accept any type of penalty. Constitutional rights override NFL rules. Players have right to protest. If owners are serious about helping, they need to push the congressman they have in their back pockets for real reform!
— Will Cook (@WC1221) May 22, 2018
“Roger, they’re kneeling again” pic.twitter.com/PmcuwXE2XB
— Charlotte (@SnowmanEmbiid) May 22, 2018
But…but…but the anthem is usually not televised during regular season games. This proposed idea will bring more division between fans and players. Maybe that’s what the owners want.
— Jerry Snackhouse (@smithandbarclay) May 22, 2018
There is already a rule on the books— enforce it!!! Fines, draft picks, etc… why is this so hard for some to figure out— Make the NFL Great Again—because right now it is lacking— you can’t please everyone all the time- concentrate on your fans!!#MNFLGA # MAGA
— Brad Spann (@bspann478) May 22, 2018
Another season I will boycott. The owners should tell them to STAND. I can’t say whatever I want when I am at work. This is a serious WTF for these spineless owners. @NFL 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Susan Gallagher Español (@susan_espanol) May 23, 2018
