Roger Goodell, in an apparent shift from the NFL’s previous position which supported players’ right to protest since this act is not precluded by NFL rules, sends a letter to team owners in which he states that he believes everyone should stand for the national anthem. Goodell noted “[t]he controversy over the anthem is a barrier to having honest conversations and making real progress on the underlying issues. We need to move past this controversy, and we want to do that together with our players.” The reaction, including from players, was swift. Sportingnews.com, NYTimes.com.
