Did the NFL just cave?
When the league announced a new policy regarding protests against the national anthem back in May, it was regarded as a win for President Trump, who was no fan of the disrespectful display. The policy specifically stated: “All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.” (RELATED: NFL’s New National Anthem Policy Is a Win For Trump.)
Simple enough, no? The policy allowed for protests off the field, for players who still felt the need to show disagreement with a country that made them millionaires. Anyone who disregarded the rule would be forced to pay a fine or face another punishment.
You can see the entire policy below:
Here is the NFL’s new national anthem policy: pic.twitter.com/ybjKoO6E3s
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2018
The players’ union was quick to file a grievance over the new policy, which has led to some uncertainty on whether or not the policy will actually be implemented this year. (RELATED: NFL Players File Grievance Over National Anthem Policy – ‘Infringes On Our Rights’.)
Well, you might as well tear up that plan and throw it out the window. After yesterday’s games where a few select players knelt during the anthem, it looks like the league is totally backing down on its former policy.
You go ahead and keep kneeling. We’ll go ahead and continue not watching you kneel. #NFLKickoff https://t.co/keJYvmDx6V
— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) September 9, 2018
A report in ESPN suggests the NFL is backing down from implementing an anthem policy this year:
The NFL is not expected to implement a new policy on the national anthem this season, league sources told ESPN, no matter how many meetings and conversations occur regarding the topic.
The new policy is going to be no policy — at least for this season, according to sources.
NFL not expected to implement a new national anthem policy this season, per sources.https://t.co/uEyCOYWJIm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2018
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Well, that’s disappointing. We already know the lingering controversy is hurting the NFL’s ratings. As President Trump pointed out, the opening game of the 2018 season saw diminished viewership:
Wow, NFL first game ratings are way down over an already really bad last year comparison. Viewership declined 13%, the lowest in over a decade. If the players stood proudly for our Flag and Anthem, and it is all shown on broadcast, maybe ratings could come back? Otherwise worse!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2018
Look, if the NFL wants to allow the anthem protests to continue without penalty, they’re perfectly within their rights to do so. But after announcing a punitive policy regarding insulting displays to our great national anthem, backing down at this point shows the league lacks a backbone.
The NFL needs to make a decision. Either punish the players who protest, or don’t. The fans want an answer, not more limbo.
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I am completely over the spineless NFL. I refuse to watch their games or patronize their advertisers. Fortunately, there are alternatives. i hope the league and its’ owners choke on this decision to let the players run their business. Or is it “ruin”?
Look at the actual numbers for a comparison of the NFL’s draw.
Based on the numbers above and how that convert to actual viewers, this weekend there where 40% more people that watched the NFL games than voted for Trump. Almost more than voted in the whole elections.
There where more people in the NFL stadiums in one weekend than will be at all of Trump’s pep rallies this year.
Look at the actual numbers for a comparison of the NFL’s draw.
Based on the numbers above and how that convert to actual viewers, this weekend there where 40% more people that watched the NFL games than voted for Trump. Almost more than voted in the whole elections.
There where more people in the NFL stadiums in one weekend than will be at all of Trump’s pep rallies this year.
I am fed up with these multi millionaires disrespecting the flag I served all patriots should boycott the NFL
” for players who still felt the need to show disagreement with a country that made them millionaires.” THAT IS NOT THE REASON THEY PROTEST…….THEY ARE PROTESTING THE INJUSTICE(FOR ALL) SHOWN AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR FROM THE POLICE……AND TO PROTEST IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT……IT CAN BE SETTLED…… NO ANTHEM AT THE GAMES AT ALL….the end
” for players who still felt the need to show disagreement with a country that made them millionaires.” THAT IS NOT THE REASON THEY PROTEST…….THEY ARE PROTESTING THE INJUSTICE(FOR ALL) SHOWN AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR FROM THE POLICE……AND TO PROTEST IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT……IT CAN BE SETTLED…… NO ANTHEM AT THE GAMES AT ALL….the end
#NEVERNFL
The NFL is history . . .
The NFL is history . . .
These genius overpaid athletes are committing their own demise. They continue to create more push back to their disrespect to our country, and the attendance at the stadiums and TV is dwindling. The obvious outcome is that commercial sponsorship becomes a decision of whether the sponsor wants to be associated with teams, and by projection a continued downturn in revenues. The result is the players will be paid less as interest in the NFL wanes. We have already seen a downturn in football in the youth leagues dwindle from the scare of devastating injuries coming from playing. All in all the NFL players are choking off the revenue which pays them.
We watch high school & college football NOT the National Felon’s League.
We watch high school & college football NOT the National Felon’s League.
Hey Political Insider….can you check the viewers on reruns of NCIS:LA on ION against all of football games on Sunday? I bet i know who’ll win!
To hell with the NFL and the kneelers who became millionaires in this country they are disrespecting. Hope their millions go in smoke. Continue to boycott the games and its sponsors.
To hell with the NFL and the kneelers who became millionaires in this country they are disrespecting. Hope their millions go in smoke. Continue to boycott the games and its sponsors.
The left is making a total mockery of our national values. This is not a matter of support of cause, any cause. It is a disrespect for those that go in Harm’s Way for our freedom and the rights of all. Yes, some will say that includes these protests. However, there are matters that are not acceptable to our 1st Amendment. Try yelling ‘FIRE’ in a theatre, or greeting your close friend by call out his name ‘Hi Jack’ in the causeway of an airport. It need not be protested against our nation and our heroes. If these ultra-privileged millionaires desire, they can protest in other public areas, where citizens are not FORCED TO OBSERVE IT after paying hundreds of dollars for that privilege. But protesting the FLAG OR NATIONAL ANTHEM, AS WELL AS BURNING THE FLAG should not be allowed in this country. Try it in Russia, North Korea, or China. The results will be quite different. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
John: Total agreement!
My new Anthem policy is not to watch the NFL, even for the Super Bowl Ads.
My new Anthem policy is not to by NFL team merchandise.
I am completely over the spineless NFL. I refuse to watch their games or patronize their advertisers. Fortunately, there are alternatives. i hope the league and its’ owners choke on this decision to let the players run their business. Or is it “ruin”?
Look at the actual numbers for a comparison of the NFL’s draw.
Based on the numbers above and how that convert to actual viewers, this weekend there where 40% more people that watched the NFL games than voted for Trump. Almost more than voted in the whole elections.
There where more people in the NFL stadiums in one weekend than will be at all of Trump’s pep rallies this year.
I am fed up with these multi millionaires disrespecting the flag I served all patriots should boycott the NFL
” for players who still felt the need to show disagreement with a country that made them millionaires.” THAT IS NOT THE REASON THEY PROTEST…….THEY ARE PROTESTING THE INJUSTICE(FOR ALL) SHOWN AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR FROM THE POLICE……AND TO PROTEST IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT……IT CAN BE SETTLED…… NO ANTHEM AT THE GAMES AT ALL….the end
#NEVERNFL
The NFL is history . . .
These genius overpaid athletes are committing their own demise. They continue to create more push back to their disrespect to our country, and the attendance at the stadiums and TV is dwindling. The obvious outcome is that commercial sponsorship becomes a decision of whether the sponsor wants to be associated with teams, and by projection a continued downturn in revenues. The result is the players will be paid less as interest in the NFL wanes. We have already seen a downturn in football in the youth leagues dwindle from the scare of devastating injuries coming from playing. All in all the NFL players are choking off the revenue which pays them.
We watch high school & college football NOT the National Felon’s League.
Hey Political Insider….can you check the viewers on reruns of NCIS:LA on ION against all of football games on Sunday? I bet i know who’ll win!
To hell with the NFL and the kneelers who became millionaires in this country they are disrespecting. Hope their millions go in smoke. Continue to boycott the games and its sponsors.
The left is making a total mockery of our national values. This is not a matter of support of cause, any cause. It is a disrespect for those that go in Harm’s Way for our freedom and the rights of all. Yes, some will say that includes these protests. However, there are matters that are not acceptable to our 1st Amendment. Try yelling ‘FIRE’ in a theatre, or greeting your close friend by call out his name ‘Hi Jack’ in the causeway of an airport. It need not be protested against our nation and our heroes. If these ultra-privileged millionaires desire, they can protest in other public areas, where citizens are not FORCED TO OBSERVE IT after paying hundreds of dollars for that privilege. But protesting the FLAG OR NATIONAL ANTHEM, AS WELL AS BURNING THE FLAG should not be allowed in this country. Try it in Russia, North Korea, or China. The results will be quite different. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
My new Anthem policy is not to watch the NFL, even for the Super Bowl Ads.
My new Anthem policy is not to by NFL team merchandise.
John: Total agreement!