Three NFL teams could be facing discipline from the league for not going onto the field during the national anthem on Sunday, but it sounds like they will not be fined.
Multiple players across the NFL staged protests during the national anthems in response to President Trump’s harsh comments Friday night. Three teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks, remained in the locker room during the playing of the anthem. That goes against a league rule, which could subject the teams to a penalty.
Failure to be on the field may result in discipline by the league, under NFL rules.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) September 24, 2017
But league official said key phrase is "may" result, adding he won't speculate on possible discipline for Steelers.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) September 24, 2017
It sounds like the NFL will make an exception in this case.
Teams not on the field for the anthem are subject to fines at @NFL's discretion. I'm told the #Seahawks, #Titans, #Steelers won't be fined
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 24, 2017
With the Seahawks and Titans now joining the Steelers by staying in locker room for the Anthem I'm told NFL not handing down fines for this
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 24, 2017
The NFL declining to discipline the teams under the circumstances makes sense considering the league and many of its owners sent statements condemning President Trump’s remarks slamming players who kneel during the anthem.
