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Culture > News

The NFL Released A New National Anthem Policy That Penalizes Protesting & Kneeling

Carissa Dunlap

The NFL owners passed a new national anthem policy on Wednesday that used to require players and team officials to stand and show respect on the sidelines during the national anthem, according to USA Today.

In a statement issued by Commissioner Roger Goodell, all players will no longer be required to be present on the field during the anthem. Instead, the policy allows players who do not wish to stand to remain in the locker rooms.

There’s a catch though. The new policy appears to have a penalty for players who choose to protest the national anthem. Each franchise will have the power to create their own policies, which includes fines for personnel on the field who “do not stand and show respect for the flag or the Anthem.” The NFL can also fine personnel within the franchise for not standing and showing respect during the anthem.

As reported by USA Today, in a news conference Goodell said, “We want people to stand. That’s all personnel, and make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That’s something we think we owe. We have been very sensitive in making sure we give players choices, but we do believe that that moment is important and one we are going to focus on.”

The NFL’s new policy comes after two seasons of protests by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, and many other players in the league during the national anthem. Back in 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling or sitting during the anthem as a form of silent protest against racial injustice and police brutality. According to Bustle, he refused to continue standing for the anthem because he didn’t want to “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Despite Kaepernick and Reid both being free agents now, many other league members have continued protesting, which prompted the new policy.

The leagues obvious penalty has garnered a significant amount of controversy. The NFL Players Association released a statement, denouncing the league owners for not consulting with the union before creating and releasing the new policy. After Vice President Mike Pence walked out of a game last fall, the NFLPA encouraged players rights to “peacefully raise awareness” on the field.

Though some critics of the anthem protests are applauding the NFL’s new policy, many on social media are criticizing how the NFL simultaneously profits off their black athletes and penalize them for their social activism:

Many feel that the NFL are missing the protests point.  

Others are pointing out the numerous flaws within the league.

Some are wondering where the hell did freedom of speech go.

And so many on social media refuse to stop taking a knee.

Too True!

Tbh, they really don’t understand.

Many are pointing out how black athletes are the majority in the NFL but still are being subjected to racist policies.

Even former NFL quarterback Sage Rosenfels mocked the leagues decision.

The NFL National Anthem policy is an obvious sign that the NFL doesn’t understand that the protests weren’t about disrespecting the anthem, but instead about drawing attention to the injustices many black and people of color face in our country today. 

Carissa Dunlap is a Her Campus News X Social Intern for Summer 2018. She is a current Publishing major and Journalism minor at Emerson College (Class of 2020). When she isn't perusing the YA bookshelf at the bookstore, she can be found watching dog videos on Facebook, at her favorite coffee shops, or relaxing on the beach. Follow her on Instagram @dunlapcarissa or Twitter @Caridunlap.