NFL fails to consult NFLPA on new anthem policy

The NFL announced changes to their anthem policy on Wednesday, but in doing so, they failed apparently contact the players’ association for their thoughts.

Beginning with the 2018 NFL season, any players or staff members of NFL teams who do not want to be present during the presentation of the national anthem will be allowed to stay off of the field and in the locker room. This is just part of the overall list of changes made on Wednesday by the NFL in response to the issue that become such a hot button during the last year.

Marcus Peters was the only member of the Kansas City Chiefs who made any waves with his behavior during the national anthem. The former Chiefs cornerback, who was traded this offseason to the Los Angeles Rams, was seen on an exercise bike or sitting during the anthem, adding fuel to the national fire. Peters was just one of several NFL players who decided to raise awareness of social issues—most notably issues of racism and oppression—during the 2017 NFL season.

NFL owners decided to meet this offseason to craft a response to players like Peters, Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid and others who used the time to advocate for social change as many fans believed such players were being disrespectful or even unpatriotic.

The announced changes on Wednesday now include allowing home teams to decide on whether or not players will even be on the field for the anthem at all—a move that should be expected time and again as franchises seek to take the easy way out on this issue. Any player who wants to protest during the anthem will be subject to punishment from commissioner Roger Goodell.

Unfortunately, the owners acted unilaterally here, as the NFL’s Players Association noted that they were not even consulted before the changes were announced. Here’s the NFLPA’s complete statement in response to the NFL’s changes:

"The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new “policy.” NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL’s Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League.Our union will review the new “policy” and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement."