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NFL to fine team if players protest on field during anthem

This new anthem policy comes after years of silent protests from football players. It started in 2016 with Colin Kaepernick and grew to include dozens of players, including several Saints.

Announced Wednesday, a new NFL national anthem policy. Players on the field will now be required to stand and show respect for the American flag and the anthem.

If players want to kneel or protest, they can do it but it’ll have to be off the field or their team will face a fine. These new rules were approved by team owners who voted at the spring league meeting.

“It is a business and the owners are in the business of making money and when you’re in the business of making money you really don’t want to deal with any political controversy whatsoever,” said Dr. Robert Collins, Dillard University public policy professor.

This new anthem policy comes after years of silent protests from football players. It started in 2016 with Colin Kaepernick and grew to include dozens of players, including several Saints. Those who have participated in the demonstrations say they’re kneeling in protest of racial inequality and police brutality but it’s often received as disrespect to the flag, national anthem and veterans.

“Personally, I think people should stand for the national anthem including the players especially since they are the spotlight of the show. I definitely feel they have the right to express their opinions but I can’t do that at my job,” said resident Mark Jones.

“These NFL football players are citizens of the United States and they’re not property of the NFL or the owners,” said Margaret Thomas Carr. “Them exercising their personal belief is what the flag stands for, I thought.”

The players' association released a statement saying, in part, “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."

“There’s very strong opinion about this, certainly. At the end of the day most fans really are just interested in the game and they’re going to go see the game whether the players are allowed to protest or not,” said Dr. Collins.

The players association also said it was going to review the new “policy” and could challenge it.

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