PROTESTS/SPORTS/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “The National Football League said it would consider requiring all of its personnel to stand for the national anthem, a move that could defuse a dispute with President Donald Trump but create a showdown with players over their right to protest…
The controversy is ‘threatening to erode the unifying power of our game,’ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a memo to league executives on Tuesday [10-10-17].
Mr. Goodell didn’t release details of a plan to address the issue, but he said the league believes that all players should stand for the anthem. He also said the league would suggest other ways it could support social-justice issues that players want to champion.
Any change to the NFL’s policy would mark an abrupt reversal after the league presented weeks ago a unified front in response to Mr. Trump’s criticism.
The decision to consider an adjustment reflects the mounting concern among owners that the controversy could have long-term financial implications for the country’s most popular sport.
Some of the protesting players have said they are kneeling in hopes of calling attention to racial inequality in the U.S., not disrespecting the flag or the anthem.”
-Matthew Futterman and Andrew Beaton, “NFL Owners to Discuss Policy on Standing for Anthem,” The Wall Street Journal online, Oct. 10, 2017 12:35pm