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A18 SPORTS
Saturday 21 July 2018

NFL, NFLPA freeze anthem rules amid backlash to Miami policy

By ROB MAADDI says the 16th and final bul-
AP Pro Football Writer let point on Miami's list of
The NFL's two-month old conduct considered detri-
national anthem policy is mental, below disparaging
on hold. teammates, coaches or
Hours after The Associated officials including NFL Com-
Press reported that Miami missioner Roger Goodell.
Dolphins players who pro- The NFL started requiring
test on the field during the players to be on the field
anthem could be suspend- for the anthem in 2009 —
ed for up to four games the year it signed a market-
under a team policy issued ing deal with the military.
this week, the league and In 2016, then-49ers quarter-
the players union issued a back Colin Kaepernick be-
joint statement late Thurs- gan protesting police bru-
day night saying the two tality, social injustice and
sides are talking things out. racial inequality by kneel-
"The NFL and NFLPA, ing during the national an-
through recent discussions, them, and the demonstra-
have been working on a tion spread to other players
resolution to the anthem and teams.
issue. In order to allow this Critics led by President Don-
constructive dialogue to ald Trump called the play-
continue, we have come ers unpatriotic and even
to a standstill agreement on said NFL owners should fire
the NFLPA's grievance and any player who refused to
on the NFL's anthem policy. In this Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, file photo, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10), free safety stand during the anthem.
No new rules relating to Michael Thomas (31) and defensive back Chris Culliver (29) kneel during the National Anthem Some players countered
the anthem will be issued before the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Fla. that their actions were be-
or enforced for the next Associated Press ing misconstrued and that
several weeks while these they are seeking social
confidential discussions are fined if players didn't stand the season starts. All op- consultation with the play- change rather than pro-
ongoing," the statement during the anthem while on tions are still open." ers union, is inconsistent testing the anthem itself.
read. "The NFL and NFLPA the field. The league left it Miami can choose not to with the collective bargain- Trump's criticism led more
reflect the great values up to teams on how to pun- issue any suspension nor ing agreement and infring- than 200 players to protest
of America, which are re- ish players. fine any player guilty of es on player rights. Now, during one weekend, and
peatedly demonstrated by None of the team policies "conduct detrimental to the two sides are hoping to some kept it up throughout
the many players doing ex- had been made public the club." Other violations reach a solution without liti- the season. The league and
traordinary work in commu- until the AP obtained a under that label include gation. a coalition of players have
nities across our country to copy of Miami's nine-page drug use or possession, Dolphins veteran receiver been working in tandem
promote equality, fairness discipline document. It in- gambling, breaking curfew Kenny Stills took a knee with to support player initiatives
and justice. Our shared fo- cluded a one-sentence and riding motorcycles as a hand on his heart during for a variety of social is-
cus will remain on finding a section on "Proper Anthem a driver or passenger from the anthem throughout last sues. The NFL is committing
solution to the anthem issue Conduct" and was provid- the start of camp until the season. Defensive tackle $90 million over the next
through mutual, good faith ed to the AP by a person last game of the season. Jordan Phillips put his arm seven years to social justice
commitments, outside of familiar with the policy who Jets acting owner Christo- around Stills before one causes in a three-segment
litigation." insisted on anonymity be- pher Johnson said short- game. Two other players plan that involves league
The issue has dominated cause the document is not ly after the league an- who knelt — safety Michael players. Kaepernick didn't
headlines over the past public. It classifies anthem nounced its policy that he Thomas and tight end Julius play at all last season and
two seasons, caused divi- protests under a large list will not punish his players Thomas — are no longer still hasn't been picked up
sion and alienated some of "conduct detrimental to for any peaceful protests with the team. by another team. He threw
fans. the club," all of which could — and would pay any po- Defensive end Robert 16 touchdown passes and
The NFL rule that was lead to a paid or unpaid tential fines incurred by the Quinn, who raised his fist four interceptions in his final
passed in May forbid play- suspension, a fine or both. team as a result of his play- during the anthem while season in 2016. Safety Eric
ers from sitting or taking a The Dolphins said in a state- ers' actions. with the Rams, is now with Reid, one of Kaepernick's
knee if they are on the field ment: "The NFL required The new league rules were the Dolphins. former teammates and an-
or sidelines during "The Star- each team to submit their challenged this month in "Players who are on the other protest leader, is also
Spangled Banner," but al- rules regarding the anthem a grievance by the play- field during the Anthem out of work.
lowed them to stay in the before their players report- ers union. The NFLPA said performance must stand Both have filed collusion
locker room if they wish. The ed to training camp. We the NFL policy, which the and show respect for the grievances against the
policy said teams would be will address this issue once league imposed without flag and the Anthem," NFL.q