NFL suspending national anthem policy to negotiate with NFL Players' Association

[kpete]

The NFL has pumped the brakes on its policy requiring players on the field to stand during the national anthem. In a joint statement from the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association, the two sides announced the policy has been suspended while they negotiate.

The move comes hours after the Miami Dolphins announced a team policy that could lead to players being suspended for four games if they protest during the national anthem.

The statement reads:

The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue. In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/nfl-national-anthem-protests-nflpa-eagles-dolphins-malcolm-jenkins-20180719.html

[beachbum bob]

1. the NFL players associatio ndrew the line and said no way is a racial based policy going to be

allowed.

If 50% of the black players did not suit up for the first game, no games would be played that any one would want to watch. Makes me proud

[Wounded Bear]

2. Should have done that from the beginning...

It's not that the policy is "bad." It's that it was another dictatorial decree from the owners to the players.

[Iliyah]

3. Hell when you have persons in the WH and congress that are

un-American, this is a good move.

[NCTraveler]

4. They need a very clear policy free from government influence.

Trump really fucked them when it comes to the appearance of government influence.

This really shouldn't have been this difficult. Trumps involvement has hurt them.

The way I see it.

The NFL should have almost immediately implemented a multiple game ban for anyone kneeling during the NA. At the same time they should have started their forceful public support of Kaepernick and the reason for the protest. I really think that would have been their best business move.

[phylny]

6. I think the NFL should stop having the

military on their fields, stop with the huge flags, and stop telling players what to do during the anthem except for staying still respectfully.

Here’s another thought: Stop playing the national anthem at sporting events.

[NCTraveler]

7. I don't know why they would stop having the military on their field.

Flags are going to be pretty big when it comes to the production at billion dollar stadiums filled with tens of thousands of people. Setting restrictions on players is a responsible action, not irresponsible.

"It is dripping out right next to a ceiling fan. "

I would support that. I don't think it will happen as I know who the base support of the NFL. They love their flags and fly-overs, for the most part. It is also really neat to have everyone come together just before a brutal competition. This isn't the only way to accomplish that but it is an easy way.

Many people are all upset over this and they are people who, for the most part, have never discussed it in their lives.

Is what it is.

Still, I would support them not doing the anthem(they won't take this route for obvious reasons) or clear regulations and penalties. It simply needs to be clear.

[matt819]

5. Also. . .

If the owners - most Republicans - prohibit the players from kneeling, the president's treason will stay up high in the news as players and pundits criticize owners for prohibiting a legal expression of the the first amendment while they quite obviously do nothing while their president sells out America. Not that the treason issue is going away, but tying it in with the kneeling and other expressions of free speech isn't going to play well. Whoops.

[Gothmog]

8. The NFL was going to lose a lawsuit if this went to court