Civic Register
| 5.24.18
NFL Puts National Anthem Policy on Hold
Join us and tell your reps how you feel!
UPDATE - July 20, 2018:
- The NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have agreed to freeze the new policy that requires players to remain standing if they're on the field during the Star-Spangled Banner.
- The move comes after the Miami Dolphins announced they would suspend and fine players who protest on the field during the 2018 season.
- The NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement that the two organizations "have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue" and "no new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing."
Countable's original story appears below.
NFL: Stand or Stay in Locker Room
What’s the story?
- A major battle has been won (or, depending on your perspective, lost) in the culture wars: NFL owners have unanimously approved a national anthem policy that requires players to stand if they are on the field while the Star- Spangled Banner plays.
- However, the new policy gives players the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer.
- President Donald Trump praised the decision and questioned if protesting players should be in the country.
What’s the NFL saying?
- In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he believed the "decision will keep our focus on the game and the extraordinary athletes who play it—and on our fans who enjoy it."
What’s the president saying?
- Trump told Fox & Friends that the NFL is “doing the right thing” by banning kneeling during the national anthem.
"I think that's good. I don't think people should be staying in the locker rooms, but still I think it's good. You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn't be playing, you shouldn't be there. Maybe you shouldn't be in the country."
- Following the announcement of the new rules, Vice President Mike Pence simply tweeted "winning" with an emoji of the American flag:
What do you think?
Do you agree with the new national anthem policy? Or do you question why the Star-Spangled Banner is even played at sporting events? What about school children being required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Are sports leagues part of the public square? And if so, should they be bound by public law? What about the NFL receiving tax breaks? Take a stand - or kneel in the locker room - and share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
(Photo Credit: Keith Allison / Creative Commons)
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