The National Football League has urged that players should be allowed to protest during the US national anthem, as protests continue against the killing of George Floyd.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “We were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,”
Players were previously not allowed to drop to one knee, a practice started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016. However, a great protest is expected in Washington DC on Saturday.
The practice of kneeling is done in protest against racial injustice.
Roger Goodell announced the decision in a video after several players insisted to raise voice against racism and police brutality in the US.
He said, “We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter. Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff,”
“I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve.”
However, President Donald Trump spoke over such protests. He tweeted, “We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!”
I am a big fan of Drew Brees. I think he’s truly one of the greatest quarterbacks, but he should not have taken back his original stance on honoring our magnificent American Flag. OLD GLORY is to be revered, cherished, and flown high…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
…We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
