Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke about the events that transpired during league meetings Tuesday, noting that the NFL did not ask for a rule that would require players to stand for the national anthem.
"We did not ask for that. No. We spent today talking about the issues that our players have been trying to bring attention to, about issues in our communities to make our communities better. I think we all agree there's nothing more important than getting back into our communities and trying to make our communities better. That was the entire focus today," Goodell said when asked by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.
Players, owners, and members of the league's administration will meet again in two weeks.
During a September rally held in Alabama, U.S. President Donald Trump asked NFL owners to fire players who continued to protest during the national anthem. Trump's remarks amplified protests across the league, with numerous owners joining their players in an ostensible sign of solidarity.
It appears for the time being that players will continue to protest during the anthem without further repercussions from the league, despite Trump's insistence to the contrary.
