Rodger Goodell Stands by Protesting Players

NEW YORK-Rodger Goodell says there is no policy change in the NFL regarding players kneeling in protest during the national anthem.

Goodell spoke with NFL Network's Nate Burleson last night after sending out a memo stating that he wishes all players would stand for the anthem. The interview came after President Trump tweeted that the league was finally “demanding” players to stand.

“What we've had is unprecedented dialogue over the last year with our players, our owners, with community leaders and law enforcement,” Goodell said. “What we plan to do is have a very in-depth discussion with the players and owners next week to make sure we truly understand the issues and also understand the approach we want to take together with the players to address these issues in our communities.”

The clarification from Goodell allows players who want to protest to continue, but the league plans to take further action next week at their annual fall meetings to help improve communities. Although the NFL players’ protests will be allowed to continue, many players who are protesting on lower levels are being kicked off their teams, and in one case stripped of their jerseys on the field.

Larry McCullough and Cedric “CJ” Ingram Lewis were both dismissed from their high school football team immediately after McCullough kneeled during the anthem and Lewis raised his fist. 

“He had me and CJ strip down in our uniform -- pads, the pants and all, in front of everyone,” McCullough told a Texas-CNNaffiliate. The coach claimed he was a veteran

and that the act itself was disrespectful.

Advocates for both sides continue to wage war on each other, but the NFL is committed to trying to create change that will help players want to stand again.