NFL players have been engaging in various forms of protest and tribute during the pregame National Anthem, but two teams are reportedly considering policies to put that to an end.
Whichever side of the NFL National Anthem protests you find yourself on, you know it’s a story which seems to have stronger legs than Earl Campbell in his prime.
There has been a new twist added to the ongoing narrative, according to reporter and activist Shaun King, two NFL teams are now considering implementing policies which would require players to stand for the anthem.
This would be an unprecedented move and could prove to add a lot more fuel to the fire which has kept this story burning since former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first began his anthem protest in support of racial equality.
The tweets from King look to be corroborated by former NFL receiver, Donte Stallworth.
To date, there has been no mention of specifically which teams are considering such policies.
The NFL currently requires all players to be on the sideline during the playing of the National Anthem, but the wording in the code of conduct seems to allow for some wiggle-room as to whether or not any punishments will be levied for not standing.
This passage comes directly from the NFL operations manual:
"“The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”"
There were some now-debunked rumors Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had threatened to dismiss anyone who did not stand for the National Anthem, and many teams have struggled to come to a consensus as to what they will do, with some players kneeling, others standing, and some locked together arm-in-arm.
Next: 30 richest players in the NFL
Other than King’s tweets and a post on his Facebook page, there have been no other reports of teams considering such rules. This one may end up being debunked as well.