x
Breaking News
More () »

Reaction to NFL's national anthem policy

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he thinks it's important his team stands for the anthem.

ATLANTA - NFL owners have approved a new policy 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.

The decision was announced Wednesday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the league's spring meeting in Atlanta.

The league also now has the power to fine any franchise that has representatives who do not stand or "show respect" while present on the sideline for the anthem.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the agreement was reached unanimously by owners at the league meeting in Atlanta, but Jed York of the 49ers said his team abstained.

During the team's OTAs, members of the Vikings organization were asked for comment about the new policy, including head coach Mike Zimmer.

"I was proud of my team last year, they stood for the anthem," he said. "I think it's important we stand for the anthem."

Zimmer said he believes it's important the team represents the country in the right way.

"A lot of people have died for that flag and that flag represents our country and what we stand for," he said. "So I think that's important."

Stefon Diggs said he believes belonging to an organization means staying unified as a team.

"I try not to do anything that's going to bring any attention to myself at all," he said. "I try to fly under the radar."

Brian Robison said while he personally stands for the anthem, he understands why others would choose not to.

"For me, I'm going to go out there and stand up for the flag but at the same time, our military has fought for those freedoms to allow those guys to have those decisions," he said. "Whether we agree or disagree with those decisions, it doesn't matter."

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 then took up the cause.

Before You Leave, Check This Out