NFL and Players Temporarily Postpone Anthem Protest Rules

The NFL and the Players Association have reached an agreement to halt the new national anthem rules after it was reported that the Miami Dolphins would fine players for up to four days if players do not stand during the national anthem, NPR said.

The league and the players’ union released a joint statement Thursday night highlighting a hiatus for the policy across the NFL.

“The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue,” the joint statement said.

“In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy,” the statement continued. “No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.”

The Associated Press wrote a report going into more detail about the Miami Dolphins’ anthem policy writing that “It classifies anthem protests under a large list of ‘conduct detrimental to the club,’ all of which could lead to a paid or unpaid suspension, a fine or both.”

All NFL teams had to give in rules on the anthem before training camp began, a team source told NPR. The source said “we will address this issue once the season starts,” and that “all options are still open.”

NFL players who have already protested – inspired by Colin Kaepernick – kneeled during the national anthem to speak out against police brutality affecting minority communities. Some NFL owners and higher-ups disagree with the protests, citing that it disrespects the flag. Specific repercussions, however, are yet to be determined.

“The league’s policy did not define any punishments for any individual players who protest anyway — instead, it said teams would be fined,” NPR said. “Punishments for individuals would be up to their teams.”