The NFL reacted on Wednesday to the boycott of the American anthem that bothered its 2017 season by deciding to force its players to stay up during the anthem, while leaving them the opportunity to stay in the locker room.
“All players and coaches must stand up and show respect for the American flag and anthem. A team will be penalised if a member of his staff on the field doesn’t stay up and doesn’t respect the flag and the anthem.” the NFL said after the team owners’ spring meeting.
This measure, adopted by team owners without consulting the players’ representatives, is intended to prevent players from resuming their protest against racial tensions in the United States and police violence against the black community by kneeling on the ground, head down, during the American anthem.
The firestorm started when then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem last season to protest the racial tensions in the US.
President Donald Trump had insulted the players who participated in the movement and recommended the players and team owners to fire or suspend them, without being heard on this last point.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say ‘Get that son of a b***h off the field right now… he is fired’?” Trump said.
On the other hand, Trump is also facing criticism after withdrawing an invitation to the white House to basketball champions the Golden State Warriors, after point guard Stephen Curry, said he did not want to attend.
“I don’t think people should be staying in the locker rooms, but still I think it’s good. You have to stand proudly for the national anthem. You shouldn’t be playing you shouldn’t be there. Maybe they shouldn’t be in the country.” Trump said.
The NFL, meanwhile also took into account the position of its players who participated in this move. And every NFL players advised to stay in the locker room, who chooses not to stand up during national anthem.
“The match protocol will be revised and the obligation for all players to be on the field for the anthem will be removed.” the NFL said.
“Those who choose not to stand during the anthem may stay in the locker room or in another place off the pitch until the anthem is played.” the NFL added.
However, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) immediately warned that it would study this new policy and attack any provision that would be inconsistent with the collective agreement.
