Is the NFL Playing Two National Anthems?

The NFL is in the hot seat after it was revealed that they are planning to play two national anthems at the upcoming Super Bowl. Critics are saying that this is a political move that is divisive and unnecessary. What do you think?

The NFL’s National Anthem Policy

The National Football League (NFL) has a long-standing tradition of honoring the national anthem before every game. In recent years, however, Players have been kneeling during the anthem as a form of protest against police brutality and racial injustice. This has led to much controversy and debate, both within the NFL and among fans.

In May of 2018, the NFL released a new policy regarding the national anthem. According to this policy, all players must stand for the anthem, but they have the option to stay in the locker room if they do not wish to stand. This policy was quickly met with criticism from players, many of whom felt that it was a form of censorship.

The NFL has since clarified that this policy is not meant to be punitive, and that players who choose to kneel will not be fined or disciplined in any way. It is clear, however, that the league wants its players to stand for the anthem out of respect for the country and its flag.

The NFL’s Two National Anthems

In addition to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which has been played at NFL games since 2009, the league is now playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before Week 1 games. The song, commonly known as the “black national anthem,” was first performed in 1899 and was designated as such by the NAACP in 1919.

The NFL says the decision to play both songs is a way to “recognize [the] moment” and unity in the league, but some have criticized the move as performative and not enough to actually confront systemic racism.

The Pros and Cons of the NFL’s National Anthem Policy

The NFL has come under fire for its new national anthem policy, which requires players to stand for the anthem but gives them the option to remain in the locker room if they don’t want to stand.

Critics have argued that the policy is confusing and that it puts players in a difficult position. Some have even accused the NFL of playing two national anthems: one for those who stand and one for those who don’t.

So, what are the pros and cons of the NFL’s new policy?

PROS:
-The policy is a compromise that allows players to protest in a way that is not disrespectful to the flag or the anthem.
-Players who choose to stay in the locker room during the anthem will not be forced to stand and listen to it if they don’t want to.
-The policy will likely help to diffuses tensions between players and fans over the issue of protests during the anthem.

CONS:
-The policy may force some players to choose between their principles and their careers.
-The policy does nothing to address the underlying issues that led players to protest in the first place.
-The policy could create division among players, with some feeling like they are being forced to choose between standing for the anthem and supporting their teammates who are protesting.

The Impact of the NFL’s National Anthem Policy on Players and Fans

Since 2016, the National Football League (NFL) has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding its policy on the national anthem. The issue came to a head in September of 2017 when President Donald Trump called for NFL players who had been kneeling during the anthem in protest of racial injustice to be “fired.” In response, the NFL issued a new policy requiring all players and team personnel to stand during the anthem or stay in the locker room until it was over.

The policy change was met with mixed reactions from players, fans, and the general public. Some saw it as a necessary measure to respect the flag and those who have served our country. Others saw it as an infringement on players’ rights to freedom of expression.

The debate surrounding the national anthem became even more complex when, in July of 2020, the NFL announced that they would be playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before every game during Week 1 of the upcoming season. This announcement was seen as a way to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and its call for systemic change. However, it also put players in a difficult position, as they would now have to choose between standing for two anthems or remaining in the locker room for both.

The decision of whether or not to stand for two national anthems is one that will not be easy for any player or fan. It is important to consider the potential impact of this choice before making a decision.