WATCH: NFL commissioner says players ‘should stand for the national anthem’

## NFL Walks a Tightrope: Goodell Encourages Anthem Stand, But No Mandate in Sight

Following two days of intense meetings with team owners and player representatives, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding players and the national anthem. While the league will continue to “encourage” players to stand, Goodell reiterated that there will be no rule penalizing those who choose not to.

Speaking at a press conference after the annual owners meeting, Goodell stated, “We believe everyone should stand for the national anthem. That’s an important part of our policy. It’s also an important part of our game that we all take great pride in. And it’s also important for us to honor our flag and our country and I think our fans expect us to do that.”

The commissioner’s remarks arrive amidst continued pressure from President Donald Trump, who tweeted this morning, “The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!” Trump has been vocal about his disapproval of players kneeling, even suggesting the league should fire them.

The kneeling protest, initially started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016, aimed to raise awareness about police brutality and racial injustice against African Americans. While many players joined Kaepernick, sparking a league-wide debate, they have faced harsh criticism from some fans and political figures.

Goodell acknowledged the complex situation, stating that players “are not doing this in any way to be disrespectful to the flag, but they also understand how it’s being interpreted.” He emphasized the league’s desire to remain apolitical, saying, “We’re not looking to get into politics. What we’re looking to do is to continue to get people focused on football.”

This delicate balancing act highlights the NFL’s struggle to navigate the intersection of player expression, social justice concerns, and public perception. The league appears to be trying to appease all sides while maintaining its primary focus: the game itself. Whether this approach will ultimately quell the controversy remains to be seen.