After being under fire for the last two seasons for players protesting the national anthem, the NFL decided to mandate what players and team personnel can and can’t do during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The NFL’s proposed new national anthem policy, which was announced Wednesday by league commissioner Roger Goodell during the NFL’s spring meeting in Atlanta, gives players and team personnel a choice to either stand for the anthem out of respect for the flag or wait in the locker room for the anthem to be finished.

The new policy was unanimously adopted by the teams and those who do not oblige will receive a fine from the league.

Goodell also holds the right to impose “appropriate discipline” for those who don’t stand and “show respect” for the flag and anthem, according to the new policy.

“We want people to stand,” Goodell said. “We do believe that moment is important to focus on.”

The anthem protests have been quiet gestures stemming from Colin Kaepernick’s protest in 2016. The former 49ers quarterback took a knee to protest against police violence, specifically against African-Americans and people of color.

Many other NFL players have decided to join the movement last season by taking a knee or sitting for the anthem, including Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Khalil Mack, Eagles lineman Michael Bennett and Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane.

The protests received a lot of attention and even reached the White House. President Donald Trump continuously criticized players and teams for disrespecting the flag by kneeling during the anthem last season. He also went so far as to call on the league to suspend a player after he knelt during the anthem.

The NFL Players Association said it will challenge any part of the new policy that violates the collective bargaining agreement.

Here’s a list of the six principles for the NFL national anthem policy, per the NFL:

1. All teams and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and anthem.

2. The game operations manual will be revised to remove the requirement that all players be on the field for the anthem.

3. Personnel who choose not to stand for the anthem may stay in the locker room or in a similar location off the field until after the anthem has been performed.

4. A club will be fined by the league if its personnel are on the field and do not stand show respect for the flag and the anthem.

5. Each club may develop its own work rules, consistent with the above principles regarding its personnel who don’t stand and show respect for the flag and anthem.

6. The commissioner will impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and anthem. </s> NFL owners passed a resolution on Wednesday that allows players to remain in the locker room during the national anthem but those who are on the sidelines will be required to stand. Teams -- not players -- will be fined for any actions deemed disrespectful.

In a statement, commissioner Roger Goodell said, "all league and team personnel shall stand," and added, "It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic. This is not and was never the case."

You can read the entire statement below:

The policy adopted today was approved in concert with the NFL's ongoing commitment to local communities and our country -- one that is extraordinary in its scope, resources, and alignment with our players. We are dedicated to continuing our collaboration with players to advance the goals of justice and fairness in all corners of our society. The efforts by many of our players sparked awareness and action around issues of social justice that must be addressed. The platform that we have created together is certainly unique in professional sports and quite likely in American business. We are honored to work with our players to drive progress. It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic. This is not and was never the case. This season, all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. Personnel who choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room until after the Anthem has been performed. We believe today's decision will keep our focus on the game and the extraordinary athletes who play it -- and on our fans who enjoy it. The 32 member clubs of the National Football League have reaffirmed their strong commitment to work alongside our players to strengthen our communities and advance social justice. The unique platform that we have created is unprecedented in its scope, and will provide extraordinary resources in support of programs to promote positive social change in our communities.

Goodell also outlined the new anthem-policy rules as agreed upon by the owners:

The membership also strongly believes that: 1. All team and league personnel on the field shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. 2.The Game Operations Manual will be revised to remove the requirement that all players be on the field for the Anthem. 3. Personnel who choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room or in a similar location off the field until after the Anthem has been performed. 4. A club will be fined by the League if its personnel are on the field and do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. 5. Each club may develop its own work rules, consistent with the above principles, regarding its personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. 6. The Commissioner will impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem.

In response, the NFLPA released its own statement:

The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new "policy." NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about. The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL's Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League. Our union will review the new "policy" and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

NFL Network's Judy Battista called it a "compromise," though the players would almost certainly disagree. As does the NFLPA's George Atallah.

The protests were never about "disrespecting" the anthem, a point made repeatedly last season. The protests were about drawing attention to social inequality, which was the reason Colin Kaepernick protested during the anthem for the first time in August 2016.

In October, in the wake of constant criticism from President Trump and pressure for the NFL to mandate players stand for the anthem, then-Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett said he would continue to sit during the anthem and added that any negotiation between the league and its players as it relates to the anthem should happen only after an NFL team signs Kaepernick who, depending on who you ask, has been blackballed for his decision to kneel during the anthem last season.

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In related news, the NFL is currently in the middle of a collusion case brought by Kaepernick.

And while some owners have sided with the players' right to protest, other owners know that the anthem issue is a political hot potato and one that angered many fans last season. In fact, during the owners meetings last October, Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. of ESPN the Magazine reported that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told his colleagues that they needed to seriously consider the impact the anthem issue was having on the league's bottom line, and to some in the room Jones was building toward an mandate that would require players to stand during the anthem, similar to the NBA's rule.

Around that time, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to all 32 teams.

"Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the national anthem," he wrote. "It is an important moment in our game. We want to honor our flag and our country, and our fans expect that of us. We also care deeply about our players and respect their opinions and concerns about critical social issues. The controversy over the anthem is a barrier to having honest conversations and making real progress on the underlying issues. We need to move past this controversy, and we want to do that together with our players."

By late November, the NFL had agreed to donate $89 million over seven years to "address social issues considered important to African-American communities." Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, who served as the unofficial spokesman for the Players Coalition, a group of players who negotiated directly with the league office on these issues, wrote at the time that, "What the NFL has done is a good first step – it's not going to solve the massive problems we have in our cities and states across this country, but it's a start." </s> NFL team owners are taking action against players who choose to kneel during the national anthem.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday that owners who gathered for the league’s annual spring meeting in Atlanta voted to fine teams with players who do not stand while on the field or sidelines during “The Star Spangled Banner,” according to .

In one concession to protesting players, the owners voted to change the rule requiring players to be visible on or near the field during the national anthem — instead allowing them to remain in the locker room without penalty.

“This season, all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem,” Goodell said in a statement. “Personnel who choose not to stand for the anthem may stay in the locker room until after the anthem has been performed.”

According to the , individual teams would determine how players who violate anthem-related rules would be disciplined, but all teams would likely face a fine from the league if any players are visibly not standing during the anthem. The change is expected to go into effect next season.

The NFL national anthem controversy began in August 2016 when then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick declined to stand for the national anthem when it was played before games. President Trump fueled the controversy in a series of tweets, and stated that NFL owners should fire players who don’t stand for the anthem.

Wednesday’s policy was agreed upon without input from the NFL Players Association, according to , and the group said they are issuing a statement reviewing the new policy. It also noted that “th NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.”

The reports that NFL owners, players and executives met to discuss the anthem issue last month, and while the players wanted to discuss the Kaepernick issue specifically, owners had concerns about the publicity surrounding the anthem issue.

Even Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a longtime friend and supporter of Trump, spoke out about his concerns about the kneeling controversy.

“The problem we have is, we have a president who will use that as fodder to do his mission that I don’t feel is in the best interests of America,” Kraft reportedly said, per an audio recording the received of the meeting. “It’s divisive and it’s horrible.” </s> CHICAGO (CBS) — Many fans were divided when a number of NFL players, in protest of police brutality against people of color, began kneeling during the National Anthem.

CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole reports the NFL will now fine teams whose players do not stand.

It began with Colin Kaepernick and caught on with NFL players, each choosing to kneel during the National Anthem.

“We want people to be respectful to the National Anthem,” said Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner. “We want them to stand – that’s all personnel – and make sure they treat the moment in a respectful fashion.”

The NFL has decided players must stand or teams will be fined. Players have the option to remain in the locker room during the National Anthem.

Chicago residents, including sports fans and those who are not, shared their thoughts on the issue.

“I don’t think they should have to stay in no locker room because that’s how they feel,” said Chicago South side resident, Michael Hoskins. “They should be able to come out like the other players.”

“I think everyone has the right to express their first amendment rights,” stated Kathy Klawitter.

The American Civil Liberties Union says that it’s not necessarily true in the workplace.

Ed Yohnka of ACLU Illinois said, “Employers can limit the speech of employees while on work time.”

In spite of that statement, the ACLU has supported players’ rights to demonstrate their opinions.

“Whether or not they have a legal right, they have a moral right to express themselves,” said Yohnka.

The Bears have locked arms in protest in the past. Linebacker Sam Acho says some players will look for a different way to protest.

“Just because you are not protesting the National Anthem doesn’t mean someone can keep you for standing up for those treated unfairly,” stated Acho.

There are many who support the NFL in this matter. Their thoughts echo those of Claudia Bertacchi who posted on Facebook: “Patriotism wins. Thank you NFL for being true patriots and showing our flag the respect it so deserved.” </s> (NEW YORK) — NFL players used the national anthem to show their defiance to President Donald Trump's criticism, with at least 100 players kneeling or sitting in protest and one team staying in the locker room.

Most teams in the early afternoon games locked arms in solidarity. At least three team owners joined their players.

More than 100 players sat or knelt, the form of protest started last season by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick is now a free agent, and supporters believe teams have avoided signing him because of his protest.

The Pittsburgh Steelers remained in the locker room as the national anthem played before their game with the Chicago Bears. Coach Mike Tomlin stood by himself on the sideline.

How each team would observe the national anthem emerged as the center of attention on this NFL Sunday in the wake of Trump's critical remarks toward players who don't stand for the anthem.

Tomlin had said before the game that Pittsburgh's players would remain in the locker room and that "we're not going to let divisive times or divisive individuals affect our agenda." Tomlin added that the Steelers made this choice "not to be disrespectful to the anthem but to remove ourselves from this circumstance. People shouldn't have to choose." </s> ATLANTA — NFL owners approved a new policy Thursday aimed at addressing the firestorm over national anthem protests, permitting players to stay in the locker room during the "The Star-Spangled Banner" but requiring them to stand if they come to the field.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said the change was approved unanimously by the owners at their spring meeting in Atlanta, but it was met with immediate skepticism by the players' union.

"We want people to be respectful of the national anthem. We want people to stand," Goodell said. "That's all personnel, and to make sure they treat this moment in a respectful fashion. That's something that we think we owe. We've been very sensitive on making sure that we give players choices, but we do believe that moment is an important moment and one that we are going to focus on."

In a sign that players were not part of the discussions, any violations of the policy would result in fines against the team — not the players.

The NFL Players Association said it will challenge any part of the new policy that violates the collective bargaining agreement.

The owners spent several hours addressing the contentious issue — which has reached all the way to the White House.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, a quiet but powerful protest against police brutality and racial inequities in the justice system.

Other players took up the cause, and the gesture carried on during the 2017 season even after Kaepernick left the 49ers and failed to land a job with another team.

President Trump turned the anthem protests into a campaign issue , saying the NFL should fire any player who takes a knee during "The Star-Spangled Banner." The NFL hasn't gone that far, but Kaepernick has yet to land another job and one of his former teammates and fellow protesters, safety Eric Reid, is also out of work.

Both have filed collusion grievances against the NFL.

While the owners touted the change as a compromise and noted it was approved unanimously, the players' union made it clear it was not part of the discussions.

"The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new 'policy,'" the NFLPA said in a statement. "NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about."

The statement added, "The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL's Management Council John Mara (co-owner of the New York Giants) about the principles, values and patriotism of our League."

Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/paul%20newberry

For more AP NFL coverage: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL </s> (CNN) — This season, NFL players must stand during the National Anthem, team owners decided Wednesday in Atlanta — a reaction to fierce backlash against some who took a knee in symbolic opposition to the systemic oppression of people of color, including by police.

A statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said team owners unanimously agreed that the NFL can fine a team whose players protests on the sidelines during the National Anthem, but that each team will set will its own rules regarding players who want to kneel.

Players cannot be fined by the league. They also will be allowed to remain in the locker room while the anthem is played.

Previously, there had been no rule that prevented players from protesting.

“It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic,” Goodell said. “This is not and was never the case.”

Scores of players have joined in silent protests, initiated by quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the 2016 NFL season, to draw attention to what many describe as the systemic oppression of people of color, including by police. </s> ATLANTA — NFL players this season must stand during the National Anthem, team owners decided Wednesday in Atlanta, a reaction to fierce backlash against some who took a knee in symbolic opposition to the systemic oppression of people of color, including by police.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a news conference that team owners unanimously agreed that the NFL can fine a team whose players protest on the sidelines during the National Anthem but that each team will set will its own rules regarding players who want to kneel. Players will not be fined individually by the league and will have the option to remain in the locker room while the anthem is played.

Previously, there had been no rule that prevented players from protesting.

“We want people to be respectful to the National Anthem,” Goodell said in a statement. “We want people to stand, that’s all personnel, and make sure that they treat this moment in a respectful fashion that’s something I think we owe. We’ve been very sensitive in making sure that we give players choices, but we do believe that that moment is an important moment and one that we are going to focus on.”

The NFL Players Association, which was not included in the talks with owners, said the union will review the new policy “and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.” Owners discussed the topic for two hours on Tuesday and one hour Wednesday, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said.

“The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL’s Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League,” the association said in a statement.

The move by owners stems from the silent protests that began in 2016, when then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem to draw attention to injustice.

It also brought the wrath of President Donald Trump, who in 2017 said players’ kneeling showed “total disrespect for our great country.”

In recent months, the league has worked toward a reported $90 million social justice partnership with the Players Coalition, using the NFL’s platform to highlight players’ efforts to curb injustice and to use political connections to push for legislative change.

The conversations in Atlanta came as two free-agent players, Kaepernick and Eric Reid, have filed separate grievances against the league, citing collusion in denying them jobs. Kaepernick and Reid both kneeled during the National Anthem when they were 49ers teammates, and Reid continued his protest last season. Kaepernick has been a free agent since March 2017. </s> NFL players across the league knelt, locked arms, raised their fists and even refused to come out of the locker room during the national anthem Sunday. They were joined by coaches and even owners.

It comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's recent comments and tweets on protests during the anthem.

It started early Sunday morning in London, as more than a dozen Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars players knelt during the U.S. national anthem at Wembley Stadium. The kneeling players then stood for the singing of the U.K. national anthem.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh, Jaguars coach Doug Marrone and Jaguars owner Shad Khan stood with the players during the anthem.

Ravens players never protested during the national anthem before Sunday's game against the Jaguars. AP Photo/Matt Dunham

Trump on Friday night criticized NFL players who lodge protests during the national anthem.

Speaking at a political rally in Huntsville, Alabama, Trump said: "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out. He's fired! He's fired!"

On Sunday, Trump tweeted he was pleased to see so many NFL players locking arms while also decrying those who knelt. He later tweeted the NFL needed to change its policy concerning anthem protests.

Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

Sports fans should never condone players that do not stand proud for their National Anthem or their Country. NFL should change policy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, however, said it was Trump's comments that incited some players to kneel, including himself.

"Personally, I think the comments made about my brothers who decided to protest and kneel is kind of what made us no longer be silent," Suggs said. "We stand with our brothers. They have the right to protest. We knelt with them today. Non-violent protest is as American as it gets. We knelt with them today and let them know we are a unified front. There is no dividing us. I guess we're all sons of b----es."

Added teammate Mike Wallace: "Sometimes when you feel things go to far, you have to make a statement. I felt strongly about it. ... After yesterday, it went too far. I just felt strongly about it today. So I did what I did. I didn't need anybody to tell me yes, no, whatever. That was just the way I felt."

There was scattered booing by fans in all stadiums as protests were made Sunday.

In Chicago, as the anthem began in Soldier Field, several Pittsburgh Steelers coaches were on the sideline, including coach Mike Tomlin, while the players were not present as they stayed in the locker room.

The Steelers players took the field within a few seconds of the anthem's conclusion, just after the fireworks launch, with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger one of the first out of the tunnel. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, an Army Ranger who served in Afghanistan, was seen on the CBS broadcast at the edge of the tunnel during the anthem, hand over heart.

The Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans also stayed in the locker room during the national anthem before their game in Nashville later Sunday afternoon.

"We showed we have power as people and that's what we were doing today. I think that it was super impressive," Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett said after the Seahawks' 33-27 loss.

An NFL official told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that no fines are being considered for those players who stayed in the locker room during the anthem.

NFL owners were among those across the league who responded this weekend to President Trump's comments and tweets.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Sunday became the first NFL owner who made a donation to Trump's campaign to speak out.

"I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday," Kraft said. "I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities. Their efforts, both on and off the field, help bring people together and make our community stronger."

During the playing of the anthem prior to the Patriots' game against the Houston Texans, Tom Brady stood and locked arms while 20 or so of his teammates knelt. All of the Texans stood and locked arms.

New Orleans Saints running backs Adrian Peterson, Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara were among a group of 10 players who sat on the bench during the national anthem for the first time Sunday at Carolina.

No Saints players had sat or knelt during the anthem before -- though they did organize a teamwide display of unity and hand-holding with the rival Falcons after the anthem on a Monday Night Football game last year.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was among those standing for the anthem. After the game, he passionately explained why he'd continue to do so.

"I will always feel that, if you are an American, that the national anthem is the opportunity for us all to stand up together, to be unified, and to show respect for our country," Brees said. "To show respect for what it stands for, the birth of our nation. There will always be issues with our country, there will always be things we're battling. And we should always strive to make those things better. But if the protests become that we're going to sit down, or kneel, or not show the respect to the flag of the United States of America and everything that it symbolizes, everything it stands for, and everything our country has been through to get to this point... I do not agree with that.

"I feel like that is a unifying thing. The national anthem and standing for the national anthem, and looking at the flag with a hand over the heart is a unifying thing that should bring us all together. And say, 'You know what? We know things are not where they should be, but we're going to work and strive to make things better.' To bring equality to all people -- men, women, no matter your race, creed, religion, it doesn't matter. Equality for all. But if you're an American, then I will always believe that we should be standing, showing respect for our flag, with our hand over our heart."

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, executives and players locked arms with servicemen and women and police officers during the playing of the anthem, and safety Malcolm Jenkins -- who has been demonstrating for social justice since Week 2 of last season -- continued to raise his first above his head.

Defensive end Chris Long has placed an arm around Jenkins as a sign of support since the events in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, in August. He was joined by several teammates surrounding Jenkins this week. Wide receivers Torrey Smith and Marcus Johnson also raised their fists.

Green Bay Packers tight end Martellus Bennett, who had stood with his fist raised for the past two games, instead sat on the bench during the anthem. He was joined by teammates Lance Kendricks and Kevin King as other Packers players linked arms in two ground on their sideline.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf were on the field with their teams, locking arms with players while the anthem was played.

Blank said he stood on the sideline not only to show support for the players and coaches, but also to back his public statement denouncing President Trump's criticism of players protesting during the anthem.

Across the field, Tampa Bay Buccaneers players DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans knelt during the anthem.

In Detroit, anthem singer Rico LaVelle took a knee and raised his fist at the conclusion of the song.

Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford and her three daughters, who are usually long gone from the field by the time player introductions begin, remained on the sideline as Detroit's team was introduced and stood next to Jim Caldwell with linked arms. Fans booed the Lions as they protested, which included eight players linking arms while kneeling.

The crowd in Indianapolis also booed loudly as the Colts locked arms and some knelt. About 20 Cleveland Browns players -- all African-American -- knelt during the anthem. Browns running back Duke Johnson, in a group standing behind those who knelt -- apparently in support -- waved the crowd on.

The entire Buffalo Bills sideline took the unusual step of walking about 10 yards toward the middle of the field for the national anthem. Several players then knelt for the national anthem. More than 30 players from the Denver Broncos knelt during the anthem, including members of the practice squad.

Every New York Jets player, coach and staff member linked arms during the anthem. Acting owner Christopher Johnson, the younger brother of owner Woody Johnson, was among them.

For the first time, there were players on the New York Giants -- Damon Harrison, Olivier Vernon and Landon Collins -- who knelt during the anthem. Other players stood with arms locked.

More than 10 Kansas City Chiefs players sat during the anthem. On the opposing sideline, most Los Angeles Chargers players locked arms, a few sat down and one -- Melvin Ingram -- took a knee.

"I have tremendous respect for our flag and the men and women who defend it," said a statement by Chargers owner Dean Spanos, who stood with players, coaches and GM Tom Telesco with locked arms. "Ours is the greatest nation in the world, one in which people are able to speak freely and stand up publicly for their beliefs. Our players, as do all Americans, have every right to speak their mind and from their heart. It was an honor to join them on the field today."

The Carolina Panthers stood for the anthem, as they have since the season began. Julius Peppers was not on the field, however, and said after the game that he made the choice to do so because he felt it was the appropriate thing to do.

"I want to get one thing clear," Peppers said. "This wasn't about disrespecting the military, the flag, police, first responders, none of that. It was about me making a decision as a man on my own two feet, and I wasn't going to ask somebody else to do anything with me.

"I just thought it was appropriate to stay in because we know what went on this week with the comments that were made by the president. I felt like he attacked our brothers, my brothers in the league, so I felt that it was appropriate to stand up with them and stay in the locker room."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera, meanwhile, said he believes that all players should continue to stand.

"We need to look at the flag and listen to the national anthem," Rivera said. "We need to think it and vision it for an America that we believe in, that is free from injustice, free from bigotry and free from prejudice. Then when you guys ask me, we tell you that ... we believe in America, that we support our military, we support our first responders and we most certainly do not believe in racism and bigotry and we want to see that out of this country."

The Cincinnati Bengals also continued to stand for the anthem -- most with their arms linked. A few stood with their hands on their hearts. Nobody on the Bengals has kneeled during the national anthem since the protests began last year.

"Football and politics don't mix easily," said a statement issued by the Bengals prior to the game. "Fans come to NFL games to watch great competition on the playing field and that's where our focus should be."

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder linked arms with corners Bashaud Breeland and Josh Norman during the national anthem before the Sunday night game against the Oakland Raiders. The entire team linked arms, but seven players opted to take a knee: receivers Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson and Brian Quick, tight end Niles Paul and Jordan Reed and linebackers Ryan Anderson and Chris Carter.

Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said the team wanted to stay in the locker room during the anthem but because of the timing of prime-time games, they could not because they would have missed the coin toss and also have been penalized. Most of the Raiders remained seated or took a knee during the anthem, including the entire offensive line, which is comprised of all minority players and is the lone all-black starting unit in the NFL, and the defensive line. Some stood with interlocked arms, as did Del Rio, and quarterback Derek Carr appeared to pray while looking skyward and standing.

In addition, the NFL re-aired a 60-second spot -- called "Inside These Lines" -- during the Sunday night game that also appeared during Super Bowl LI. The NFL describes it as a video that "demonstrates the power of football to bring people together."
The NFL announces a new policy regarding kneeling for the anthem, requiring any players on the sidelines to stand. Thus, players will now be allowed to remain in the locker room while the Star-Spangled Banner is played, fining players who refuse to stand on the sidelines.