NFL owners unanimously approved a new policy regarding players’ conduct during The National Anthem earlier this week.
According to ESPN, the policy states that if players or any other team personnel decline to stand for the National Anthem, they will be fined. However, they have the option to stay in the locker room without penalty. The NFL will consider any attempt to sit or kneel during the anthem as not showing respect.
Former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick ignited an entire movement when he chose to kneel during the anthem in August 2016.
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“I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed,” Kaepernick told the media. “To me, this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”
Over the past two seasons, hundreds of players have kneeled to protest racial inequality and police brutality.
This week’s new policy infuriated people across social media platforms. Run The Jewels’ El-P hit Twitter on Thursday (May 24) to reveal the NFL offered him and his RTJ counterpart Killer Mike “zero dollars” to play “Legend Has It” during the Super Bowl LII.
NFL been trash. they asked for the rights to play legend has it in the stadium during the superbowl. we said no because fuck them. they operate like they're an indispensable public utility. they aren't. they are gone with the flip of a channel. fuuuuuuck you.
— el-p (@therealelp) May 24, 2018
and just in case anyone is wondering how much the nfl wanted to pay us for using legend has it, that would be zero dollars and the strong suggestion that we take them up on the opportunity to enrich a private, racist and for profit company masquerading as a non profit. blow me.
— el-p (@therealelp) May 24, 2018
Artists like Ja Rule, Geto Boys’ Willie D, Chuck D, A-Trak and Mac Lethal also took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the NFL’s decision.
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Check out their reactions below.
Yo @nfl I’m cool on y’all again this year. Last season was tough, but I got through it. Even the Super Bowl. So this season fitna be a breeze…
— Torae (@Torae) May 23, 2018
As much as I love football FUCK THE @NFL I refuse to support an organization that won’t stand or in this case kneel for basic human rights!!! #Notcool
— Ja Rule (@Ruleyork) May 24, 2018
C’mon @NFL I wanna see my @RAIDERS this season stop the bullshit https://t.co/NKuj3anCW7
— KXNG CROOKED I (@CrookedIntriago) May 23, 2018
When will @NFL owners admit that it’s about money not love of country or some high-minded principle? What will they do if the players collectively don’t come out the locker room? I’ll tell you, they’re going to pump their brakes, and get back to the money. #30years0fcontroversypic.twitter.com/T1t0HUR2gc
— Willie D (@WillieDLIVE) May 24, 2018
Frances Scott is in Key with nfl ownership
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) May 24, 2018
Fuck the NFL.
— Falafel Carnal Knowledge (@atrak) May 23, 2018
Fuck the @NFL. Boycott all the games, and bootleg everything. Stop giving them money. pic.twitter.com/s8aKjcz6oB
— Bamb-brrrraaaatt! (@BambuDePistola) May 23, 2018
If you are still planning on watching football games this year you are trash. Period. @nfl can eat all the dicks.
— Uncle Shoes (@HouseShoes) May 23, 2018
Pardon. Fuck the NFL and Trump. That just set me on fire.
— ? Ferrari Sheppard (@stopbeingfamous) May 24, 2018
NFL fumbles more than young Tiki Barber
— Rapper Big Pooh (@RapperBigPooh) May 23, 2018
Tomi Lahren should be able to get brunch without getting drinks thrown at her.
NFL players should be able to kneel during the anthem.
Kanye can like Trump.
You can dislike Kanye.
My political views are: as long as it isn’t a threat to physical safety… who gives a fuck???
— Mac Lethal (@MacLethal) May 23, 2018
The NFL is trash for this!
Would they have the same energy if kneeling was about gay / women’s rights awareness? https://t.co/wzbb5boTOI
— DJ Hed (@DJHed) May 23, 2018
In theory since no one can kneel during the Anthem will the @nfl still shun #ColinKapernick? #NFLNegroControlAct
— Davey D (@mrdaveyd) May 24, 2018
it’s actually been fuck the NFL for years now…
— TIRON & AYOMARI (@TIRONANDAYOMARI) May 23, 2018
The NFL showed us today that they care more about the president than any of their players and most of their fan base..ironically, they did everything they could to keep the president out of the NFL when he wanted to be an owner..which is why he constantly attacks them now ?
— RosenbergTelevision (@Rosenbergradio) May 23, 2018
Settle down.
They will kneel in the locker room and broadcast it on the IG lives… we will all post it & protests continue… FOH!Oh and fuck the NFL… we’ll hurt the TV ratings. Watch highlights on social media.. and be done. https://t.co/qWYDnDJ0ef
— OldMan Ebro (@oldmanebro) May 23, 2018
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