The NFL will "enter a delicate new phase this weekend," as players will have to "decide whether to continue taking a stand (or a knee) during the pre-game playing of the national anthem even while the NFL explicitly honors veterans, active duty military members and their families during its annual 'Salute To Service' celebration," according to Nate Davis of USA TODAY. Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins said, "It’s never been about the military. It’s never been about the flag." Jenkins "acknowledged the 'sensitive timing' around Veterans Day." Like Jenkins, Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin is "supportive of the military but also plans to keep using his platform." Baldwin: "We're going to continue to do what we have done. ... There is no disrespect. It's about bringing awareness to inequality and injustice." Falcons G Ben Garland, an Air Force alum, said that Falcons players who have protested are "just as supportive of the franchise’s military initiatives." Davis notes Every NFL team will be "honoring active and retired military members at a home game this month, and several teams have benefits and public appearances." However, the optics "obviously won’t be ideal if some players are kneeling or sitting on the bench a few yards away from servicemen and women." Chiefs LB Justin Houston said that team Chair & CEO Clark Hunt has "asked that his players refrain from any kind of protest during the Salute to Service celebrations." Meanwhile, Davis notes Jenkins, Baldwin, Eagles DE Chris Long and Titans TE Delanie Walker will be featured in a Salute to Service PSA to "thank service members while discussing their involvement with the military" (USA TODAY, 11/3).
STAYING HOME: In New Orleans, Kim Chatelain reports the head of a local military veterans' organization has "declined to accept a senior citizen award that was to have been presented" during Sunday's game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, citing the "ongoing demonstrations by players." Wells told the Saints on Wednesday he was unable "in good conscience, to enter an NFL stadium" while some players "disrespect" the American flag by kneeling or sitting during the anthem. Wells said that he is "dismayed by the NFL's refusal to disallow the protests" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 11/3).
