Did NFL players have the right to kneel on the field?

In reference to your article, NFL players taking a knee make UAE fans stand up for race rights

(September 26), until the NFL team owners or president come out and strictly enforce a ban on such actions, then they have every right do something as harmless as kneeling during the anthem, a move that is protected by free speech until that point. What you should be appalled by is US president Donald Trump trying to use his presidential powers to silence peaceful protesters. Obviously, the issues they are protesting about are not being addressed, so it only makes sense to use their popularity and a big platform, such as a nationally televised game, to make the lesser voices heard. Jacques Grish, USA

The players have a contractual obligation to stand. About 20 years ago, they weren’t even on the field for the anthem. This wasn’t anti-flag, although it may seem like that to some. It began as a statement against the abuse of power by the police towards African-Americans. The president should not be inflaming this issue, but of course, he has through actions such as name-calling. Silent, non-combative protest is free speech and is protected by law. Kimberly Whittenberg Dezarn, Abu Dhabi

No employee in America has the right to unfettered free speech in the workplace. People are fired every day for social media posts that offend their employers or customers. The football field is their place of business and should be free of politics. They have every right to peacefully protest, just not while they are at work, like every other working American. Rick Hood, Abu Dhabi

The backlash against the NFL will be immense. I’ve cancelled my online package, as have many others. Players are losing sponsors. Cultural appropriation of the American anthem for unrelated grievances is a smokescreen for blatant anti-Americanism. Doing this while troops fight overseas is unforgivable. Name withheld by request