The Miami Dolphins say "all options are still open" when it comes punishment for a player's decision to protest during the playing of the national anthem this season, according to a report Thursday by the Associated Press.
The Dolphins are considering punishing their players with fines, suspensions or both for any protests that infringe upon new League rules regarding behavior during the playing of the national anthem.
According to the “Proper Anthem Conduct” section of the NFL rules of conduct provided to the AP, the Dolphins could punish players with up to a four-game suspension.
The NFL Players Association responded to the AP report in a joint statement with the NFL late Thursday which said no new rules regarding the anthem will be created or enforced in the next few weeks as the anthem discussion between the NFLPA and NFL continue.
“In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy... The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness and justice,” the statement read in part.
The League's new rules surrounding player behavior during the playing of the national anthem were approved during NFL owners' meetings in May after two seasons of steady, but peaceful, player protests.
Thursday's AP report follows a grievance filed against the NFL by the NFLPA earlier this month that opposed the League's new national anthem policy.
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