NAACP slams NFL for gag rule on national anthem
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) criticized the NFL on Wednesday for its decision to ban players from kneeling during the national anthem.
“Protest is an American tradition; by protesting we work to hold our country accountable to its highest ideals,” the NAACP said in a statement. “Instead of coming together to address an issue disproportionately plaguing the African-American, the NFL owners have chosen to bury their heads and silence players.”
The association also pointed to the issue of police brutality toward black men, noting that the demographic is almost three times more likely than white men to be killed by deadly force.
The NFL on Wednesday unanimously approved a new policy requiring players on the field to stand during the national anthem. The policy also gives players the option to stay in the locker room during the anthem.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/389124-naacp-slams-nfl-for-gag-rule-on-anthem