NFL to Fine Teams if Players Kneel During National Anthem

Friday, May 25, 2018
GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

NFL to Fine Teams if Players Kneel During National Anthem

The NFL will enact a national anthem policy for the 2018 season that requires players on the sideline to stand.

Those who do not stand will see their respective teams fined.

The policy allows players to stay in the locker room for the anthem.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released the following the statement:

"The policy adopted today was approved in concert with the NFL's ongoing commitment to local communities and our country -- one that is extraordinary in its scope, resources, and alignment with our players. We are dedicated to continuing our collaboration with players to advance the goals of justice and fairness in all corners of our society.

The efforts by many of our players sparked awareness and action around issues of social justice that must be addressed. The platform that we have created together is certainly unique in professional sports and quite likely in American business. We are honored to work with our players to drive progress.

It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic. This is not and was never the case.

This season, all-league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem. Personnel who choose not to stand for the anthem may stay in the locker room until after the anthem has been performed.

We believe today's decision will keep our focus on the game and the extraordinary athletes who play it -- and on our fans who enjoy it."

NFLPA Responds

Shortly after the NFL’s ruling, the NFL Players Association responded with a statement, saying they will fight the ruling.

The NFLPA released the following statement: 

“The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new ‘policy. NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.

The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL’s Management Council John Mara about the principles, values, and patriotism of our League.

Our union will review the new “policy” and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement”