Perhaps a full season of being humiliated by President Trump for allowing their players to disrespect the National Anthem has humbled NFL executives. Or maybe it’s the nosedive in ratings as people tuned out in droves watching entitled athletes spit on the service of our men and women in the military.
Either way, the NFL has instituted a new policy regarding the National Anthem – If you’re on the field when it’s playing, you better stand.
The policy is multi-tiered, but rule number one states that “All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.”
In true NFL fashion, the policy does try to placate both sides, allowing players who wish to protest the Anthem to remain in the locker room or some other off-field location.
Out of sight, out of mind, whiners.
Here is the NFL’s new national anthem policy: pic.twitter.com/ybjKoO6E3s
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2018
If players continue to make a scene by kneeling on-field during the playing of the Anthem, their respective team could be fined or the Commissioner may impose other penalties.
As reported earlier, owners floated the possibility of a 15-yard penalty if players ignore the new policy. (RELATED: NFL Owners Considering Yardage Penalties for Kneeling Players).
“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,” policy rule number 4 states.
“The Commissioner will impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement saying “We believe today’s decision will keep our focus on the game and the extraordinary athletes who play it – and on our fans who enjoy it.”
#BREAKING: The @NFL releases its policy for players re: the #NationalAnthem. Players must stand or stay in the locker room. What say you? pic.twitter.com/wyTcAjPLXE
— Erica Ricci (@RicciReports) May 23, 2018
As you might imagine, social justice warriors and liberals are not pleased with a company imposing rules of decorum on their employees.
This new NFL policy on the National Anthem is ridiculous.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) May 23, 2018
The rich white guys said no one can kneel during the national anthem or they will be fined with possible additional punishment.
Yeah we know look what happened to Kaepernick. This is bs Ive been watching since i could understand the game, til this changes, IM DONE. FUCK THE NFL
— A-Train (@aaronLebeahm) May 23, 2018
NFL owners have agreed to fine teams when players kneel to protest injustice during the National Anthem. Whether it’s not taking domestic violence seriously enough, ignoring CTE or kowtowing to Trump and his racist base, the NFL continues to be on the wrong side of history.
— Adam Best (@adamcbest) May 23, 2018
Hey, maybe they can go to their job and kneel in protest for these players. See how that works out for you.
We’d like to think the league made their decision based on actual respect for the flag and the Anthem, but it’s more likely it was in response to a drop in ratings, which translates to fewer dollar signs.
“There is no question the league is suffering negative effects from these protests,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters last season.
Fortunately, one man, one prominent man, stood up for the National Anthem when others likely would have placated those athletes disrespecting the men and women who serve, or have served our country. (RELATED: Artist’s New Portrait of Trump Takes Shot at Flag Protesters).
My new painting – “Respect the Flag.”
When we don’t respect the flag enough to fight for it, we will be the weakest generation. – Jon McNaughton pic.twitter.com/Z3hVOa6CMn— Jon McNaughton (@McNaughtonArt) February 27, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President!
Do you support the NFL’s new National Anthem policy? Share your thoughts below!
