Is the NFL Going to Play the National Anthem?
Contents
With recent protests by NFL players during the national anthem, many are wondering if the league will continue to play the song before games. Here’s what we know so far.
Introduction
It’s a tradition as old as the NFL itself: standing for the national anthem before kickoff. But in the wake of Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice, that tradition has come under fire.
Kaepernick, then a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, first sat out the anthem during preseason games in 2016. He later began kneeling during the coin toss, drawing both criticism and support from across the country. In November of that year, he explained his actions to Steve Wyche of NFL Media:
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
Since then, other players have joined Kaepernick in his protest, including Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins. And last season, President Donald Trump reignited the controversy by calling for owners to fire “son of a bitch” players who kneel during the anthem.
With all this attention on the issue, many are wondering: will NFL players be required to stand for the national anthem this season?
What the NFL Players Union Has to Say
The NFL has said that they have no plans to change their policy of playing the National Anthem before games, but the NFL Players Association says that they are in “active discussions” with the league about the issue.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement that “the National Anthem is a special part of our pre-game ceremony” and that “it is an important tradition that we honor.”
But NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement that the union is “in active discussions with the league” about the National Anthem policy.
“Our union has a long history of fighting for the rights of our members and we will continue to do so,” Smith said.
What the NFL Commissioner Has to Say
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league is not changing its policy on the national anthem and that players “will be expected to stand” for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Goodell was asked about the anthem policy during a news conference Wednesday at league headquarters.
“We believe that our players are leaders in our communities,” Goodell said. “They’re positive role models, and young people look up to them. And so it’s important for us to honor our flag and our country, and we think our fans expect us to do that.”
Goodell said the issue was not discussed at length during Tuesday’s meeting of NFL owners. He said he expects the league’s 32 teams to adhere to the policy that was put in place in 2009, which says players “should” stand for the anthem.
What President Trump Has to Say
During a recent rally, President Donald Trump brought up the NFL and Colin Kaepernick, saying he will “not stand” for players who kneel during the national anthem.
“We’re proud of our country. We respect our flag,” Trump said. “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!'”
The president’s remarks come after Kaepernick, who was the first player to take a knee during the national anthem last season as a way to protest police brutality and racial inequality, filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging that team owners colluded to keep him out of the league.
Since then, several other players have followed suit, and the issue has become a lightning rod for criticism from those who see it as disrespectful to the flag and the military.
Trump has been an outspoken critic of Kaepernick and other players who have kneeled during the anthem, at one point calling for them to be fired.
What Other Politicians Have to Say
In the wake of NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem to protest racial inequality, many politicians have weighed in on the issue. While some have praised the players for their peaceful protest, others have condemned them, calling it disrespectful to the flag and to the military.
Here are some of the things politicians have said about the issue:
“I think it’s a lack of respect for our country,” said President Donald Trump. “I don’t think it’s appropriate.”
“It is a free country and they are free to express their views,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan. “But I do believe that there is a way to do that which does not involve showing disrespect for our flag and for our national anthem.”
“I respect their right to protest,” said Senator Bernie Sanders. “I do not respect their choice to do it during the national anthem.”
“Taking a knee is a honorable form of protest,” said Senator Kamala Harris. “It shows courage and strength in the face of racism and discrimination.”
What the Fans Have to Say
The National Football League has been in the news a lot lately for its handling of the National Anthem protests. Some fans are worried that the NFL is going to do away with playing the National Anthem entirely. Here’s what some fans have to say about it:
I think it would be a terrible idea for the NFL to stop playing the National Anthem. It’s a time-honored tradition that is a part of the game. I think it would be disrespectful to the flag and to the country if they did away with it.
I don’t really care one way or another. I mean, it’s just a song. It doesn’t really mean anything to me. I don’t think it would be a big deal if they stopped playing it.
I think it would be really stupid if they stopped playing the National Anthem. It’s one of the things that makes America great. We should be proud of our country and our flag, and those who have served or are serving our country deserve our respect.
Conclusion
The NFL has not yet made a decision on whether or not they will play the national anthem before their games. However, they are currently in discussion on the matter.Personally, I think they should play the national anthem. It’s a tradition that has been around for many years, and it’s a way to show respect for our country.
