DALLAS TEXAS – The NFL unleashed a new policy today, declaring that all players who venture onto the field for the playing of the National Anthem shall stand and be patriotic or face discipline.
Statement From NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:
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.
POLICY STATEMENT The 32 member clubs of the National Football League have reaffirmed their strong commitment to work alongside our players to strengthen our communities and advance social justice. The unique platform that we have created is unprecedented in its scope, and will provide extraordinary resources in support of programs to promote positive social change in our communities. The membership also strongly believes that:
1. All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.
2. The Game Operations Manual will be revised to remove the requirement that all players be on the field for the Anthem.
3. Personnel who choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room or in a similar location off the field until after the Anthem has been performed.
4. A club will be fined by the League if its personnel are on the field and do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.
5. Each club may develop its own work rules, consistent with the above principles, regarding its personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.
6. The Commissioner will impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.
I actually enjoy elementary football games more. Like the Trumps said – If you do not stand for our national anthem then you should not live in America – Please don’t let the door hit you in the azz on your way out – Lee Greenwood says it all —Proud to be an AMERICAN !
They are paid to represent the fans and the team. If they want to make a personal protest they should do it on their own time.
Clearly the NFL got sick of losing sponsors due to the players disrespect.
Just quit playing the National Anthem at sporting events.
LMFAO yeah….good luck with that ignorant idea.
They should also quit selling alcohol at sporting events.
When was the last time you stood for the national anthem when you watched a game on TV?
But maybe they won’t (stand for it) !
no matter who they are, they don’t go on the field and don’t stand, pitch their ass out the door. they get millions to play and there wont be many that go thru that door
About time, long overdue