Twitter users were quick to share their opinions on the NFL's anthem policy upon its announcement Wednesday.
Related: NFL won't require players to be on field for anthem; teams can be fined for protests
Players and fans alike shared their overwhelming disapproval over rules that could punish players who participate in any sort of on-field demonstration, as the new policies attempt to seclude them to the locker room during the playing of the national anthem.
Maybe this new rule proposal that is being voted on is a "compromise" between the NFL office and club CEOs on various sides of the issue, but certainly not with player leadership; we weren't there or part of the discussions.
— George Atallah (@GeorgeAtallah) May 23, 2018
#TheFightContinues pic.twitter.com/TX9IBDxRev
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) May 23, 2018
Statement from Kim Pegula on today's new anthem rule pic.twitter.com/H84zzL8AtJ
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) May 23, 2018
The new NFL policy is not a compromise. The players wanted to assert their right to peaceful protest. The league didn’t. The league has made it against the rules to do so. And no, staying in the locker room isn’t the same thing.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) May 23, 2018
The "anthem policy" is going to become the new catch rule. It will get altered each year, get dumber each year, and continue to miss the point until the league realizes they didn’t need to change it in the first place.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 23, 2018
Any other players get that email👀
— BruceWayne🦇 (@Don59Wayne) May 23, 2018
It’s crazy to think that they think ratings dropped because of the kneeling. 😂😂 I can promise you it was wayyyy more people ACTUALLY not watching due to the support of the kneeling than the ones who opposed. Most of those TV games were actually terrible tbh...
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) May 23, 2018
For those of you who think professional athletes are immune to racism and/or police brutality/injustice. 👇🏽 I think Jay-z said it best on the OJ song. Smdh https://t.co/aEvilY40yx
— Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) May 23, 2018
A prominent NFL player involved in social protests last season to me right before new anthem rule official: "I don't really think there is a good way to make a rule for a protest. The purpose of protest is to object. Not sure it will go over well or be instituted in good taste."
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 23, 2018
Art Rooney of the Steelers said while it was not defined, he believes that raising a fist and linking arms during the playing of the anthem also would constitute disrespect of the anthem.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 23, 2018
I hope the NFL decides to completely stop all concession stand sales during the anthem as well. We wouldn’t want people buying a $10 beer and an $8 hot dog during our sacred anthem.
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) May 23, 2018
All TV camera crews must stop filming and direct attention at the flag too.
Just seems fair.
Are beer and concession stands going to be closed during anthem, so fans can properly respect the flag.
— Scott Gunson (@scottgunson) May 23, 2018
"Each club may develop its own work rules…" Jerry Jones already out there OK'ing construction on the SJW Dungeon under AT&T Stadium https://t.co/QfPqeqRSI4
— Caitlin Kelly (@caitlin__kelly) May 23, 2018
Sports are at their best when they seize the rare opportunities to lead society instead of follow it.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 23, 2018
The NFL has an incredible platform to amplify the voices of young and influential black men, but has chosen to actively suppress them.
Forcing people to be patriotic might actually be the least patriotic thing you could do.
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) May 23, 2018
Somehow forced patriotism while taking money from the military isn't politics but pointing out police brutality by taking a knee before a game is politics
— Zito (@_Zeets) May 23, 2018
The fact that the NFL would announce this policy without an actual fine schedule (we'll know disrespect when we see it) is almost more NFL than the policy itself.
— Melissa Jacobs (@thefootballgirl) May 23, 2018
I wonder how many people are going to reverse cutting the cord and return to previous TV viewing habits now that the NFL has solved its national anthem crisis.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 23, 2018
CHEERS to the NFL for creating "freedom zones," large flag-shaped rectangles on the field where unpatriotic players are not allowed to step in coverage.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) May 23, 2018
