NFL owners approved a change to the league’s national anthem policy Wednesday — and players will be now be required to stand if they’re on the sidelines during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Players have the option of remaining in the locker room, but teams will be fined if any “personnel” takes a knee.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the new policy after the owners voted on it in Atlanta during the league’s spring meetings.
In addition, teams can develop their own set of rules “regarding its personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem,” according to the league.
“It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic,” Goodell said in a statement. “This is not and was never the case.
… 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.”
The NFL Players Association said in a statement that they were not consulted on the change.
“Our union will review the new ’policy’ and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement,” the union said.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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