NFL owners have been concerned about the impact national anthem protests could have on the ratings and revenue generated by their teams, and one report says a group of them discussed the possibility of banning players from kneeling.
Shaun King of The Intercept says he was told by several NFL players that team owners spoke with one another about trying to ban anthem protests. Players also said they were told specifically to stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Players from 7 @NFL teams have contacted me the past 24 hours to tell me they have been told they have to stand for the Anthem.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) October 9, 2017
Several players told me that it was extremely clear that team owners communicated with one another this week to ban anthems together. https://t.co/a2zqdNzB4o
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) October 9, 2017
The report came on the heels of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones making some of the strongest comments yet from an NFL owner, saying any player on his team who disrespects the American flag is not going to play. Other NFL owners, like Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan, have taken part in demonstrations during the anthem and linked arms with players.
We have already heard about some of the fears team owners have about anthem protests, so it’s no surprise some of them are reportedly trying to find ways to force their players to stand.
