*By Britt Terrell* The NFL's decision to require players to stand when they are on the field during the national anthem was in part influenced by President Trump's comments that football players kneeling to protest police brutality should be fired. "He really stirred the pot and created a real mess and almost, really, threw dirt in the faces of the NFL players," said Frank Zaccanelli, CEO of Fiamma Partners and former president of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. In an interview Thursday with Cheddar, Zaccanelli cited Trump's comments at a political rally last year in Huntsville, Ala., when the president said players were "ruining the game." Trump piled on the day after the NFL announced its new policy, saying in an interview on "Fox and Friends" on Thursday that anyone who does not stand during the anthem, "[maybe they shouldn't be in the country](https://twitter.com/foxandfriends/status/999599639996313600)." The NFL Players Association [criticized](http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/389018-nfl-players-association-criticizes-new-league-policy-on-kneeling) the league and the teams' owners for not consulting with the union before deciding on the new policy, which calls for teams to be fined if players kneel, but allows them to stay in the locker room during the anthem. “NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about,” the NFLPA said in a [statement](https://twitter.com/NFLPA/status/999325257403002881/photo/1). "That is the canyon-wide split that's going on inside the NFL and it's not good for the game, it's not good for the fans," said Zaccanelli. "How could you possibly have done this without talking to the players' association? I think that's a big mistake by the owners." For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/nfls-new-anthem-policy).

Share:
More In Sports
Florida Panthers Head Coach Out in Wake of Kyle Beach Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville has resigned from his position after former player Kyle Beach's claims of sexual assault by Chicago Blackhawks team videographer, Brad Aldrich, went unchecked in 2010. Quenneville, then head coach of Chicago, initially told reporters he became aware of the incident this past summer but was reportedly made aware shortly after it happened.
Atlanta Braves' Name Gets Rob Manfred's Support
New controversy emerges in the MLB surrounding comments from commissioner Rob Manfred. While speaking to reporters before game one of the World Series, Manfred shrugged off questions about the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, and also offered support for the Atlanta Braves to keep its name, which the National Congress of American Indians has already condemned. Forbes SportsMoney senior contributor Maurey Brown joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss this and other storylines in the MLB.
Jameis Winston Revenge Week; Taking Lessons from NFL Blowouts
Josh Appelbaum, VSiN Sports Betting Reporter, joins 'Cheddar Bets' to break down lessons learned from lopsided games from a betting perspective, if the Saints can keep it close against the Buccanneers, and the Cowboys red-hot offense. Sponsored by BetMGM
Best Plays in the Big Ten
Dan Kilbridge, Bookies.com Sports Betting Expert, joins 'Cheddar Bets' to break down this week's matchup between undefeated Michigan and Michigan State teams. Plus, is Georgia in danger this week? Sponsored by BetMGM
How to Bet Packers-Cardinals with Davante Adams Out
Michael Jenkins, Host of 'The Daily Tip', joins 'Cheddar Bets' to break down the Thursday Night Football matchup and which player props to hit with Davante Adams out; Michael and Hana play a round of Buzzer Beater. Sponsored by BetMGM
Deal or No Deal, ISIS Threat & Memecoin Insanity
Dems race for a deal on President Biden's economic agenda ahead of his big foreign trip. What to make of the latest threat assessment in Afghanistan. Plus, the meme cryptocurrency of the moment that's now worth more than many Fortune 500 companies.
Load More