NFL, NFLPA Freeze Anthem Rules Following Dolphins' Measures

The NFL has decided to "hit pause" on its new anthem policy. The league and NFLPA last night issued a joint statement noting that "no new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks" while both sides "continue to hold discussions to figure out how to move forward." The move comes as the Dolphins were "facing backlash after submitting required paperwork to the NFL that included potential disciplinary measures for player protests during the national anthem." The NFL "decided in May that teams would be fined if players didn't stand during the national anthem while on the field" (ESPN.com, 7/20).

The NFL's statement came "just five hours" after news broke about the Dolphins plans, and the "damage had been done, and the blowback was immediate." Many "criticized the team for what they perceived as a heavy-handed policy -- even though in truth the Dolphins were only codifying what the league had mandated" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/20).