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The NFL and the NFL Players Association has released a new statement regarding the new rules set for players kneeling during the National Anthem.

According to ESPN, the NFL decided in May that teams would be fined if players didn’t stand during the national anthem while on the field. Players are allowed to stay in the locker rooms while the National Anthem plays, without being fined. Individual teams would be able to punish players how they see fit. This week the Miami Dolphins announced that any player who kneeled or sat could be suspended for up to 4 games. All 31 teams in the league are required to submit paperwork to the league annually on the overall discipline policy they have set for their players.

These rules have now been put on pause for the next few weeks before the season starts.

“The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue. In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing. The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness, and justice. Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation.”

Written by Clarke Jones