ESPN's first NFL broadcast of the 2018 season took place on Thursday, and it didn't include the national anthem.
Fans didn't see the anthem while watching the Washington Redskins square off against the New York Jets, with the network still choosing not to show the pregame ceremony.
"We generally have not broadcasted the anthem and I don't think that will change this year," ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said on Friday, according to Sara Fischer of Axios. "Our plan going into this year is to not broadcast the anthem."
The NFL and NFLPA are negotiating an anthem policy after protests drew the ire of President Donald Trump.
However, the broadcasters of Monday Night Football aren't keeping a hard line on the company mandate. ESPN reserves the right to change its stance as news develops.
"Again, that could change. It's unpredictable what could happen in the world but as of now, we're not," Pitaro said. "We have communicated that back to the NFL. They have not asked but as courtesy and good partners we have let them know what our plans are."
"We've seen the data from our fans that they like the game and that's what they want," added ESPN senior vice president of event and studio production Stephanie Druley. "So that's where we will keep our focus."
- With h/t to Pro Football Talk
