Some NFL owners ready to go rogue on new anthem policy

The NFLPA lashed back against the league for creating a protocol that did not
adhere to the collective bargaining agreement, nor did the NFL and its owners
include players in conversation about the new policy demanding teams and its
players stand if on the field for the Star-Spangled Banner.

With that in mind, San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York said he abstained from
an otherwise unanimous vote on the final day of the owner's meetings.

York said he felt players and officials should have direct input on the
matter.

In October, he said he supported players -- including former 49ers quarterback
Colin Kaepernick and safety Eric Reid -- and their right to protest.

"We encourage (players) to stand, but we're not requiring you to do anything,"
he said. "You can express yourself, but we want you to stand because you want
to stand. ... And we want to make our country and our communities a better
place -- not because you're forcing us to, but because we're compelled to."

The NFL policy permits teams to choose to stay in the locker room during the
national anthem, but calls for fines and punishment for any mode of
disrespect. Steelers owner Art Rooney said that would include players holding
a fist over their head and locking arms. Cowboys owner Stephen Jones said
there is no fine schedule for anthem-related penalties and that owners will
know disrespect "when we see it."

New York Jets chairman Christopher Johnson said in March a change in anthem
protocol was uncalled for, but he did vote with the majority on Wednesday in
the name of the good of the game.

However, Johnson said Jets' players are free to protest without fear of NFL or
team fines. Johnson said if his players are fined, he will cover the cost.

"I do not like imposing any club-specific rules," Johnson told Newsday. "If
somebody (on the Jets) takes a knee, that fine will be borne by the
organization, by me, not the players. I never want to put restrictions on the
speech of our players. Do I prefer that they stand? Of course. But I
understand if they felt the need to protest. There are some big, complicated
issues that we're all struggling with, and our players are on the front lines.
I don't want to come down on them like a ton of bricks, and I won't. There
will be no club fines or suspensions or any sort of repercussions. If the team
gets fined, that's just something I'll have to bear."

Johnson plans to huddle with players at his first opportunity.

"Even without those fines, this is going to be tough on the players, and I
want a chance to speak with the coaches and other players to get feedback on
this policy and to build on the good work and momentum that we have built up
on these issues of social justice, on legislation, and all the things that we
can do," he said.

--Field Level Media