The NFL is "not expected to implement a new policy on the national anthem this season ... no matter how many meetings and conversations occur," according to sources. The new policy reportedly is "going to be no policy -- at least for this season." Too many people "have stances too strong to figure out a compromise." An NFL official insisted that there is "continuing dialogue on the topic" (ESPN.com, 9/9). Sources said that the sides are "not close to resolving the issue and there were no last-minute talks" prior to today's full-scale regular season kickoff. Some of the individuals involved are "unsure a policy could actually be agreed upon that could placate the NFL and its union," though talks "have been amicable and certainly productive" (CBSSPORTS.com, 9/9).
President Trump this morning tweeted, "Wow, NFL first game ratings are way down over an already really bad last year comparison. Viewership declined 13%, the lowest in over a decade. If the players stood proudly for our Flag and Anthem, and it is all shown on broadcast, maybe ratings could come back? Otherwise worse!" (TWITTER.com, 9/9).
Three Dolphins players "continued to protest social injustice by taking action" during the anthem today. WRs Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson "took a knee," and DE Robert Quinn "raised a fist prior" to the Dolphins’ home opener against the Titans (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 9/9).
Meanwhile, the same "Kremlin-linked group that posed as Americans on social media" during the '16 presidential election has "repeatedly exploited the controversy surrounding the NFL and players who have protested police brutality and racial injustice during the National Anthem" (MONEY.CNN.com, 9/8).
