The NFL is once again engulfed in controversy after team owners passed a new rule Wednesday that allows the league to fine teams if players kneel during pregame national anthems.
Not only can teams be fined, but players are also subject to fines from from the team if it so chooses.
Bottom line: the NFL doesn’t want players protesting during the national anthem, so if they don’t want to stand they’re encouraged to stay in the locker room.
No players from the Vikings demonstrated during the anthem last season, something head coach Mike Zimmer is proud of.
“I was proud of my team last year. They stood for the anthem. I think it’s important that we stand for the anthem. I think it’s important that we represent our country the right way, the flag the right way,” Zimmer said Wednesday in Eagan.
“A lot of people have died for that flag, and that flag represents our country and what we stand for. I think that’s important.”
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The new ruling isn’t sitting well with the NFL Players’ Association or Players Coalition.
Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins released a statement saying players will continue to fight for racial equality, adding that the owners’ decision thwarts “the players’ constitutional rights to express themselves and use our platform to draw attention to social injustices like racial inequality in our country.”
