NFL owners to require players to stand during anthem or stay in locker room

NFL owners unanimously approved a new national anthem policy that requires players to stand for the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” but gives players the option to stay in the locker room if that is their preference.

The 32-0 vote came at the end of the annual ownership meetings held in Atlanta, ESPN.com reported.

The league had been roiled with controversy over the national anthem starting in 2016, when then San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the song’s playing to protest racial inequality and police brutality.

Other players around the league also took to kneeling as a political statement. Kaepernick did not play last year after becoming a free agent and has filed a collusion case against the league.

A decline in the league’s television ratings were also blamed by many on the anthem controversy.

Under the new policy, a team will be fined by the league if its players are on the field and don’t stand during the anthem.

Each club may develop its own work rules but need to be consistent with league policy.

Commissioner Roger Goodell can also discipline league personnel who do not stand for the national anthem “and show respect for the flag and anthem,” according to the new policy.

In a related move, league owners also reaffirmed their commitment to work alongside players to continue to strengthen local communities and advance social justice.

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

“We believe today’s decision will keep our focus on the game and the extraordinary athletes who play it — and on our fans who enjoy it,” Goodell said.