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The NFL hit the pause button on its new policy regarding player conduct for the National Anthem.
The decision to put a hold on the new policy followed news about the planned disciplinary steps by the Miami Dolphins for player protests during the National Anthem.
ESPN reports:
With the Miami Dolphins facing backlash after submitting required paperwork to the NFL that included potential disciplinary measures for player protests during the national anthem, the league has decided to hit pause on its new policy, sources told ESPN.
Now the league and the player’s union will try to work out a policy through negotiation.
The player’s union, the NFLPA, had previously filed a grievance on the most recent National Anthem policy issued by the league.
Here is the joint statement from the NFL and the NFLPA:
The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue. In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.
The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness and justice.
Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation.
Sports Illustrated also reported on the pause regarding the National Anthem policy.
President Trump commented on the latest NFL decision:
The NFL National Anthem Debate is alive and well again – can’t believe it! Isn’t it in contract that players must stand at attention, hand on heart? The $40,000,000 Commissioner must now make a stand. First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2018
The recommendation by President Trump is sound.
The NFL is a business and it is their right to establish conduct policies for players.
