In a press conference that aired on CNN, Fox News, ESPN, MSNBC and NFL Network on Wednesday afternoon, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell explained why the league and owners did not create a rule requiring players to stand during the national anthem at the owners meeting this week.
Goodell emphasized that it is most important to the NFL and owners for everyone to stand and honor the United States during the playing of the national anthem.
However, the commissioner said since there are less than a dozen players actively protesting on the field, the NFL’s goal is to talk with the remaining players and work with them to make progress on the issues for which the players protest.
“What we tried to do is deal with the underlying issue and what it is that they’re protesting and try to address that matter,” Goodell said. “The important thing for us is to be able to do that and take that opportunity to make real differences in our community and that is really what it’s going to ultimately be the important aspect for us long term. Because this is a long-term issue.”
When asked what the issues were that players were protesting, Goodell answered with criminal justice reform, "equality issues," changes that will "make our communities better" and what the NFL can do to support these changes.
Goodell did not mention police brutality as an issue players are speaking against.
“(The players) were very clear about it and they were actually knowledgable, articulate and they spent the time to go into the communities and talk about that,” Goodell said. “And so they really truly understand that.”
Goodell did not answer a question about the league’s position if an individual owner punishes players who protest police brutality and social injustice during the national anthem.
The commissioner said owners punishing players who protest was not discussed in this week’s meetings.
Goodell’s press conference came after the fall NFL owners meeting in New York concluded. Several players met with owners and officials to discuss why players are protesting police brutality and social injustice and what the NFL can do to resolve the issues.
The owners, players and Goodell have a follow-up meeting scheduled for Oct. 31, according to ESPN.
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