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Protests in the NFL are creating quite the controversy on and off the field. In recent events, NFL players have been kneeling to represent racial injustice within the country. The protest has not only caught the eyes of the fans, but everyone around the country. The NFL felt it was necessary to meet with league personnel to discuss the controversy.
Recently, the publicity of the protests has caused tension among fans.
Mike Pence went to the Colts/49ers game today.
Eleven 49ers players kneeled during national anthem.
Mike Pence left the game.#TakeAKnee pic.twitter.com/kxcgcAhLFs
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) October 8, 2017
Anthem reaches the NFL
The protest has reached multiple NFL teams like the San Francisco 49ers. Even though the majority of the protests involve kneeling, some NFL teams have responded to this protest in different ways. According to ESPN, earlier in the week players were outraged by the fact that some NFL owners were controlling their choice to stand or not.
Goodell’s Comments
Since the protest reached the field, it was time for the NFL to discuss the controversy.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL Network recently that the point of the meeting is to have a talk with NFL personnel about the controversy and figure out how they want to react. Goodell expressed that this protest is a chance to make a difference, not only in the NFL, but throughout the country.
The outcome of the meeting was that the NFL will not force its players to stand for the national anthem but it is preferred. The NFL’s position is to keep the balance between supporting the players and focusing on the game. To the NFL, the protests aren’t about disrespecting the flag, but fighting the injustice within the United States of America. Even though this protest reaching the NFL is creating controversy, the policy in terms of the anthem hasn’t changed.
However, Goodell made it clear that the meeting was meant to connect owners, NFL players and personnel so that they can be on the same page.
