NFLPA Executive Director Smith: 'No player is disrespecting our Country or our Flag'
Peaceful protests by players during the playing of the pregame national anthem have subsided in recent weeks, partially due to comments and apparent push back from some notable owners.
Related: Jerry Jones: Any Cowboys player disrespecting flag is not allowed to play
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith released a statement Monday morning re-addressing the issue and the rights of players.
Good morning. My statement. pic.twitter.com/l7KXZrZi2o
— DeMaurice Smith (@DeSmithNFLPA) October 9, 2017
Smith cites a meeting held last week with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Management Chair John Mara in the presence of owners assuring players would not be subjected to any sort of team discipline for continued protests. He points out players are not protesting the flag, the anthem or the country.
"I look forward to the day when everyone in Management can unite and truly embrace and articulate what the Flag stands for: 'Liberty and Justice for All," wrote Smith.