NFL owners are meeting this week in Atlanta for their annual Spring Meeting, where they are discussing many varied topics. They’ve already unanimously cleared David Tepper to become the next owner of the Carolina Panthers, and among other things they are also discussing what to do regarding the national anthem.
One of the proposals on the table, shared by Albert Breer of The MMQB, has stirred up quite a hornet’s nest on social media.
Per sources, one anthem idea being discussed: Leaving it up to home team on whether teams come out for the anthem; if teams do come out for the anthem, potential that teams could be assessed 15-yard penalties for kneeling.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 22, 2018
The first portion of that idea makes some sense. After all, it wasn’t until very recently that teams actually did come out onto the field for the anthem to begin with. The second aspect of that idea, however, is controversial, to say the least.
NFL writers across the nation did not seem to think this would be a great idea.
But there’s no league policy against kneeling.. https://t.co/zO3Cex9s69
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) May 22, 2018
Just asking for a friend: If both teams have players kneel, is it offsetting? https://t.co/Un9CT4fXCv
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 22, 2018
Can't get much dumber than this. There are so many flaws with this proposal. https://t.co/fSX1naPKUT
— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonFL) May 22, 2018
Man, this is a horrible idea. https://t.co/DlWIDd2EhB
— Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) May 22, 2018
A remarkably terrible idea, objectively https://t.co/Wxt3BPEAGm
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) May 22, 2018
That sounds like a really, really, really, really, really stupid idea. Did i mention really stupid? https://t.co/YsmIpqmhqg
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) May 22, 2018
ridiculous https://t.co/u69LDF2tAw
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/mikefreemanNFL/status/999019557850361856
If they legislate a penalty for peaceful protest into the sport you will have guys coordinating to make sure there are protesters on both sides. I support this measure, if only for the lolz. https://t.co/XcWJL7XFHL
— robertklemko (@RobertKlemko) May 22, 2018
A 15-yard penalty for kneeling? Peak NFL. So absurd. https://t.co/QMhDwAXI3y
— Mark Ludwiczak (@marklud12) May 22, 2018
Sideline judge already has a full plate. https://t.co/VzrXwWBk6u
— Matt Mosley (@mattmosley) May 22, 2018
They could screw up a one-car funeral. https://t.co/KbKgjqtlSV
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) May 22, 2018