Minnesota congressman boycotting NFL over new anthem policy

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 01: U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) listens during a news conference in front of the Capitol February 1, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Rep. Ellison hosted the press conference to discuss President Donald Trump's travel ban, which prevents immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S, and objections to Senator Jeff Sessions' nomination to the position of Attorney General.

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One U.S. congressman says he won't be watching NFL games in wake of the league's new national anthem policy.

Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota announced Sunday on Twitter that he's decided to boycott the NFL for the 2018 season.

Friends who know me, know that I love football. But I won’t be watching this NFL season because of the unfair cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban. #BoycottNFL
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) May 27, 2018

Under the new policy, which was introduced last week, teams will be subjected to fines if their players don't stand and show "respect for the flag and the anthem." Players will be permitted to remain in the locker room during the national anthem if they choose to do so.