New NFL's national anthem policy could fine teams if player kneels

After a league meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, the NFL announced its decision to require all team personnel on the field to stand for the national anthem while allowing players to remain in the locker room if they choose. The decision would put individual teams at the forefront of the ongoing controversy surrounding the peaceful demonstrations, which are aimed at raising awareness about inequality and police brutality against minorities. Under these new rules, teams could be fined if any personnel fails to show what the league determines to be appropriate respect for the anthem. The teams are then free to fine their own personnel, including players, for failing to stand for the anthem. So while some teams could have a policy requiring all personnel on the field to stand, others could choose to pay the league fines while allowing players to demonstrate during The Star-Spangled Banner. The controversial issue exploded two years ago after then-San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick (left) refused to stand to protest inequality and police brutality. Last year, President Donald Trump ripped players who refused to stand for the anthem, and he called on the NFL to sanction those players who didn't stand. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (inset) said in October that it’s the league’s belief that ‘everyone’ should stand for the anthem, but until Wednesday, he had not enacted any policy changes. Original Article: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5763043/NFL-field… Original Video: www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1694954/Video… Daily Mail Facebook: facebook.com/dailymail Daily Mail IG: instagram.com/dailymail Daily Mail Snap: www.snapchat.com/discover/Daily-Mail/8392137033 Daily Mail Twitter: twitter.com/MailOnline Daily Mail Pinterest: pinterest.co.uk/dailymail Daily Mail Google+: plus.google.com/+DailyMail Get the free Daily Mail mobile app: dailymail.co.uk/mobile

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