*By Conor White*
The former NFL star Victor Cruz said the league's new rule requiring players on the field to stand during the national anthem exacerbates an us-against-them dynamic between owners and players.
"It just doesn't make sense to me," Cruz said in an interview Thursday with Cheddar. "I just don't understand why you're retracting a player's right to even protest or do anything that you wanted to do. It just feels like you're continuing the narrative that you're the player, and we're the hierarchy, and you have to listen to us, and pay attention, and do as we say."
The former New York Giants wide receiver vocalized what some current players have said they are feeling.
Last week, the NFL announced it would fine a team an undisclosed amount if any of its players were to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. Players can stay in the locker room during the anthem if they do not want to stand.
In an [interview with ESPN](http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/211882/victor-cruz-youve-got-to-respect-the-flag) in 2016, Cruz had said the American flag needed to be respected, and that he thought players should stand with their teammates during the anthem "regardless of how you feel about things that are going on in America."
Now, the 31 year old said NFL players should be able to express themselves.
"I still stand by those players who are protesting, fighting for a change, or fighting for the right things to be done, not only in the NFL, but across the world," Cruz said.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/victor-cruz-makes-an-impact-off-the-football-field).
James Ruth, senior director for Major League Soccer, and Mike LaBelle, the New York Red Bulls' first official Esports athlete, discuss the new EMLS Cup. The EMLS Cup is in partnership with FIFA 18 and kicks off April 5th.
The pro FIFA player, signed by New York Red Bulls, walked Cheddar through his training process. He says that gamers should avoid fast food the evening before!
The Hive's hosts Jon Kelly and Kristen Scholer discuss the latest news in politics, business, and technology. From Hope Hicks' sudden departure from The White House to the Kardashian's impact on social media, we have you covered.
Vanity Fair's Hive: We’re joined by the crew at Vanity Fair's Hive to discuss Hope Hicks' resignation. On Between Bells: TV reboot fever, and E!'s Seacrest problem. With Diply, The Hollywood Reporter, Zimbio, and more.
Tide made waves with its flurry of Super Bowl commercials.
One of those featured the beloved Old Spice Guy, Isaiah Mustafa, who stars in the Freeform series, 'Shadowhunters.' He stops by to tell us about the upcoming season of the show, and what "the man your man could smell like" actually smells like.
Adriaen Black is a made- to- measure luxury apparel company known for clothing some of the biggest names in sports.
Now, Founder Andrew Jang is launching a project to design custom interview attire for teens in New York City's YMCA College and Career Access Programs. Jang stops by with a few of his clients: Oakland Raiders Quarterback EJ Manuel, Jermon Bushrod of the Miami Dolphins, Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The directors of the new Netflix documentary series "Flint Town," Drea Cooper, Zackary Canepari, and Jessica Dimmock, discuss the new show. "Flint Town" follows the lives of several police officers in the troubled city of Flint, Michigan.
Spotify files to go public. Dick's will immediately stop selling assault rifles. President Trump meets with lawmakers on gun control. White House communications director Hope Hicks is resigning from her post. Facebook launching a new initiative to take on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Olympians Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall made history at this year's winter games. The duo accomplished what no American woman had done before, capturing a medal in cross-country skiing. The pair share their experience in achieving gold in the team sprint free final.
Between Bells: Ryan Seacrest Red Carpet controversy, NCAA scandal, and why is it so hot at the North Pole? With Salon, LiveScience, Pizza Hut, and Madame Noire.
