Roger Goodell addresses national anthem protests

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stresses “peaceful and important way” for change

The issue of players in the National Football League not standing during the national anthem on game day has become a polarizing topic among fans, coaches and fellow players.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the matter with a group of Arizona Cardinals season ticket holders on Monday, saying he wants to respect players around the league who are using that spotlight to raise awareness for certain issues while avoiding distractions.

“Well, I think it’s one of those things where I think we have to understand that there are people with different viewpoints. It’s something that I think everybody wants,” Goodell said.

“The national anthem is a special moment to me. It’s a point of pride. That is a really important moment.”

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Goodell then spoke about a discussion he had with an unnamed New York Jets player at a fan forum in which the player said there was “a time and a place” to protest.

The issue came to the forefront again this past weekend when Seattle Seahawks defensive linemen Michael Bennett and Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch both sat during the anthem before their respective games.

While Lynch is not fond of speaking to the media, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said he had a respectful conversation with him before the game and said his sitting was a non-issue. Bennett said he put a lot of thought into his actions and his decision to sit was done “to continuously just push the message of equality.”

The message of positive change is what Goodell is looking for as well. While he understands the need for players to protest for issues they feel strongly about, he advocates doing so in a responsible manner.

“Protest to progress is what I call it,” he said. “And we all have to recognize that people want to see change, let’s go out and try to make that change happen in a peaceful and important way.”