NFL announces new National Anthem policy for players

ATLANTA — The NFL announced a new National Anthem policy Wednesday afternoon for its players.

The new league-wide policy says: “All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and several owners made the announcement at a news conference in Atlanta.

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Goodell released a statement to the public:

The policy adopted today was approved in concert with the NFL's ongoing commitment to local communities and our country — one that is extraordinary in its scope, resources, and alignment with our players. We are dedicated to continuing our collaboration with players to advance the goals of justice and fairness in all corners of our society.

The efforts by many of our players sparked awareness and action around issues of social justice that must be addressed. The platform that we have created together is certainly unique in professional sports and quite likely in American business.  We are honored to work with our players to drive progress.

It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic. This is not and was never the case.

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.

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.

However, the policy also states all players do not have to be on the field for "The Star-Spangled Banner."

You can read the NFL's full policy statement here.

The NFL Players' Association also released a statement following the announcement, saying the new policy "contradicts the previous statements made" to player leadership by Goodell.

The union plans to review the new policy and said it will challenge any aspect that is inconsistent with the current collective bargaining agreement.

Cox Media Group