The XFL wants to be about football, and only football.
WWE CEO Vince McMahon announced the revival of the league Thursday and went into detail about it in an interview with ESPN's Darren Rovell.
Among the biggest issues the NFL has faced over the past few years is player protests, and McMahon said the XFL won't allow its employees to take political or social stands while on the job.
"People don't want social and political issues coming into play when they are trying to be entertained," McMahon said. "We want someone who wants to take a knee to do their version of that on their personal time."
McMahon also made it clear the XFL is focusing just as much on players' level of character as their on-field ability, saying that those with a criminal background - including DUIs - won't be accepted.
This will likely rule out former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel from playing in the XFL, but that didn't stop him from almost immediately lobbying for a place:
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) January 25, 2018
Manziel was indicted on a misdemeanor assault charge in April 2016, stemming from an incident with his then-girlfriend.
McMahon added that his standing as the owner of all the XFL teams will allow him to set strict guidelines.
"I can say, 'Here are the rules, and as long as you are playing football in the stadium for us, you follow these rules,'" said McMahon.
Asked specifically about whether XFL players would be required to stand for the national anthem during Thursday's announcement, McMahon opted not to give a concrete answer, but said he "thinks it would be appropriate."
