Buffalo Bills: Anthem policy halted as NFL and players work on agreement
By Paul Taylor
The anthem policy has been put on hold, while the NFL and the Players Association, including the Buffalo Bills, work on a resolution.
Members of the Buffalo Bills and the rest of the Players Association have come to an agreement with the NFL over the ongoing anthem policy issue. As reported by NBC News, the two sides have halted enforcement of rules regarding the new national anthem policy, while they work together on a resolution.
The NFL and the Players Association issued a joint statement on Thursday. The statement read:
"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."
This latest development came about, after the Miami Dolphins issued a new team policy in respect of anthem conduct, earlier this week. As reported by the Associated Press via Sportsnet , any Dolphins players who protest on the field during the anthem could be suspended for up to four games.
More from Buffalo Bills
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller the ideal addition both on and off the field
- Buffalo Bills: Majority of new stadium funding will come from public
- Buffalo Bills vs. Patriots: Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
- Buffalo Bills run game providing much-needed boost to offense
As per Austin Knoblauch of NFL.com, the Dolphins’ anthem conduct policy was part of a large list of “conduct detrimental to the club” items. The NFL approved the new national anthem policy in May and asked for all teams to prepare their own policies to reflect the same, in a bid to enforce the new rules.
For the record, it should be noted the Dolphins can choose not to suspend or fine any player who doesn’t follow the anthem policy. As the team said in a statement: “We will address this issue once the season starts. All options are still open.”
Shortly after the NFL approved their new national anthem policy, New York Jets owner Christopher Johnson said he would not punish any of his players who protested. Johnson went on to say he would pay any fines incurred by the Jets.
Next: 3 factors that impact Chris Ivory carrying the load
The Players Association filed a grievance on July 10, stating the national anthem policy infringes on player rights. As a result, the policy remains on hold under the standstill agreement, until the two sides can come to an amicable resolution.