New NFL Anthem Policy Adopted; Teams Fined For Protesting Players

In a move that is, based on your position, either extraordinary or unsurprising, the NFL has adopted a sweeping new anthem policy that will fine teams if its players protest.

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

The policy also states that:

A club will be fined by the League if its personnel are on the field and do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.

Cowboys COO Stephen Jones, when asked about an actual fine schedule:

Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said NFL hasn’t worked out a specific fine schedule for the anthem policy. Asked what constitutes disrespect, said he believes you’ll know it when you see it.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 23, 2018

This should go well. The full NFL statement on the new anthem policy is below.