Dolphins owner Stephen Ross attempts to clarify team's national anthem policy
The NFL has backed down on its controversial policy... for now. USA TODAY Sports' Lindsay H. Jones explains why. USA TODAY
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said the reference in a club document to potentially fining or suspending players who protested during the national anthem was merely a “placeholder” until further decisions could be made.
“The one line sentence related to the national anthem was a placeholder as we haven’t made a decision on what we would do, if anything, at that point,” Ross wrote in a statement.
Ross claimed the clause was included in a broader discipline policy the team was required to submit to the NFL before players report to training camp next week. The Associated Press on Thursday acquired a copy of the document and reported the inclusion of potential discipline for violations of the league’s national anthem policy.
In May, NFL owners passed a new policy that would require players to stand on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem. If players did not want to stand, they would have to remain in the locker room. Teams could be fined if players demonstrated while on the sideline.
Owners passed this policy without consultation from the NFL Players Association, and the union recently filed a grievance against the league in relation to the policy.
The
NFL and NFL Players Association announced Thursday night that no new rules would be created or enforced in the next several weeks while the two sides negotiate.
“I’m pleased that the NFL and NFLPA are taking a pause to figure out a resolution to this issue,” Ross wrote. “I am passionate about social justice, and through the Miami Dolphins and the creation of (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality), will continue to use the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress.”
At least three Dolphins kneeled during
The Star-Spangled Banner last year as a way to protest police brutality and racial inequality. Only one of those players, wide receiver Kenny Stills, remains on the roster. Stills started 16 games and caught six touchdowns last season.