*By Michael Teich*
The NFL is trying to make it clear to its players, fans, and marketing partners that it believes in the power of the America brand, and kneeling during the national anthem will not be tolerated, said Bram Weinstein, a former anchor at ESPN.
All 32 team owners endorsed a new league policy that subjects teams to a fine if a player or another member of a team's staff does not stand for the national anthem. However, players may choose to stay in the locker room during the anthem, the league said.
With the new policy, the NFL is telling its players that the football field is not a platform for their social activism, said Weinstein, even if the league's statement said it is interested in working with players "to advance the goals of justice and fairness in all corners of our society."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a news conference Wednesday that the on-field protests, "created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic." That perception, among other issues, may have contributed to the league's falling TV ratings, said Weinstein.
The NFL Players Association was quick to criticize the policy, saying in a statement that it would "challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement."
The player's are unlikely to strike, but "something is going to happen" because it is still important to the players to show support to their communities, said Weinstein.
Some NFL players have been taking a knee during the national anthem, led by then-San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his 49ers teammate Eric Reed, who began kneeling two years ago to bring attention to issues of police brutality and racial equality.
Kaepernick hasn't played in the league since 2016 and was an unsigned free agent. He filed a grievance against the NFL last year alleging that the owners colluded against him.
“They’ve already been threatened, and a couple of them have been blackballed," said Weinstein. "The league can pretend that's not happening, but Colin Kaepernick is an example of what can happen to your employment future in this league if you continue to do this."
"It's a real live threat,” he said.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/nfl-will-fine-teams-if-players-kneel-during-anthem).
Carlo and Baker cover Facebook's big rebrand, the latest on Biden's economic agenda and more. Plus, ranking the best Halloween candy and the worst couple's costumes.
Michael Jenkins, host of 'The Daily Tip,' gives his pick for Thursday night's Packers-Cardinals duel, while VSiN sports betting reporter Josh Appelbaum breaks down the other top NFL games this weekend, and Bookies.com sports betting expert Dan Kilbridge says to back the Spartans in a pivotal Big Ten battle on Saturday.
Sponsored by BetMGM
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.
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
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
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
Boxing Legend Mike Tyson, Chief Brand Officer, of Tyson 2.0 and Chad Bronstein, Chairman of Tyson 2.0, joined Cheddar News to discuss venturing into the cannabis industry.
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.
Jill and Carlo discuss the pending approval for Pfizer's vaccine for kids, the state of anti-Semitism three years after Tree of Life, potential criminal charges in the 'Rust' prop gun shooting and more.
DraftKings is walking away from a deal to buy Entain, a major company in the international gambling industry, for $22.4 billion. The deal reportedly fell through after the companies could not come to agreements about BetMGM, the exclusive sports betting division of MGM, and a joint venture between MGM resorts and Entain. Sportico sports business reporter Eben Novy-Williams joined Cheddar Nws' Closing Bell to discuss.
