STATEMENT FROM NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL
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.
POLICY
STATEMENT
The 32 member clubs
of the National Football League have reaffirmed their strong commitment to work
alongside our players to strengthen our communities and advance social
justice. The unique platform that we
have created is unprecedented in its scope, and will provide extraordinary
resources in support of programs to promote positive social change in our
communities.
The membership also
strongly believes that:
- All team and
league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag
and the Anthem.
- The Game
Operations Manual will be revised to remove the requirement that all
players be on the field for the Anthem.
- Personnel who
choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room or in a
similar location off the field until after the Anthem has been performed.
- 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.
- Each club may
develop its own work rules, consistent with the above principles,
regarding its personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag
and the Anthem.
- The Commissioner will
impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show
respect for the flag and the Anthem.
