The shift in policy comes in the wake of the numerous protests started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 2016/17 NFL season. Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest perceived police brutality, and was later mimicked by a number of other high-profile players, including former teammate Eric Reid.
NFL owners are said to have met this week to consider the new policy, and released a statement yesterday. The teams of the league agreed on the following requirements:
- “All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.”
- “The Game Operations Manual will be revised to remove the requirement that all players be on the field for the Anthem.”
- 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.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “The Commissioner will impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.”
Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pic.twitter.com/1Vn7orTo1R
— NFL (@NFL) May 23, 2018
Following Kaepernick’s kneeling protest – which spread around the NFL like wildfire – fierce debates were triggered up and down the country. President Trump openly criticised the move, while the league moved to pay almost $100million to social justice causes supported by certain players. Critics claimed this was a move purely in the interests of appeasing activist athletes.
Meanwhile, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) have reacted to the announcement of the new policy with a statement of their own.
“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,” they said.
We’re sure it’s not the end of the road just yet in this debate, and will be keeping a close eye on its progress.
Do you think ALL players should be made to stand for the national anthem? Hit the SHARE button if so!