NFL owners announced a new national anthem policy Wednesday during the owners meetings in Atlanta.
The new policy requires players to stand if they are on the field for the national anthem, however the policy does give the players the option to stay in the locker room.
If players or team personnel kneel during the national anthem, the team is subject to a fine.
» More: Read the new policy
All 32 NFL owners unanimously approved the new policy.
The NFL Players Association released a statement on social media shortly after the news of the policy broke. It reads:
"The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new 'policy.' NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.
"The vote by the NFL club CEOs today contraditcs the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the chairman of the NFL's Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League.
"Our union will review the new 'policy' and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement."
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