NFL teams will be fined if players kneel during National Anthem

You’re probably aware of the racism-driven attack on NFL players that choose to kneel during the National Anthem, often fueled by our very own president (and widely criticized by many public figures including Run the Jewels, Snoop Dogg and Common). Now, there’s a new policy agreed upon by NFL team owners stating that players can wait in the locker room during during the National Anthem, but that teams can be fined if players are on the field or sidelines but do not stand. Via NY Times:

The owners of N.F.L. teams agreed on Wednesday to a new policy for player conduct during the playing of the national anthem, an issue that escalated last season into a national debate that involved President Trump.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said that owners voted to fine teams if their players are on the field or sidelines but do not stand during the national anthem, though players will be allowed to stay in the locker room if they choose. Players had previously been required to be on the field for the anthem.

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

The NFL Players’ Association has said that they were not consulted and that they will “review the new ‘policy’ and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.”