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N.F.L. officially bans kneeling during national anthem

N.F.L. team owners signed an agreement on Wednesday that prohibits players from kneeling during the national anthem, but does allow them to stay inside locker rooms during ceremonies.
New Orleans Saints players and team kneel prior to the NFL match. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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The N.F.L. now has an official rule prohibiting players from kneeling during national anthem ceremonies, according to a new agreement signed by team owners on Wednesday.

“This season, all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem,” league commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Personnel who choose not to stand for the anthem may stay in the locker room until after the anthem has been performed.”

Under the new policy, the teams of players who kneel will be issued fines by the league. Additionally, teams may opt to issue fines to their own kneeling players. The policy also removes an old rule in the Game Operations Manual that requires players to be present on the field during national anthem ceremonies.

Here’s the statement by @nflcommish on the NFL’s new policy on the anthem. pic.twitter.com/emYntWD2vV

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) May 23, 2018

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