Goodell weighs in on anthem flap

While NFL commissioner Roger Goodell considers the national anthem a ‘‘ special moment’’ and a ‘‘ point of pride,’’ he wants to respect the rights of players across the league to sit during the anthem as a form of protest.

Goodell voiced his feelings during a question- andanswer session for Cardinals season- ticket holders Monday. A question was posed to Goodell about whether anthem protests this season are ‘‘ going to be another problem.’’

On Saturday, Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sat on a cooler during the anthem before a preseason game against the Cardinals. On Sunday, Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat for the anthem before a preseason game against the Chargers. Bennett has said he plans to sit during the anthem this season to protest social injustice.

‘‘ It’s one of those things where we have to understand there are people who have different viewpoints,’’ Goodell said. ‘‘ It’s something I think everybody wants. The national anthem is a special moment for me; it’s a point of pride. That is a really important moment. But we also have to understand the other side — that people do have rights, and we want to respect those.’’

Lions lose Copeland

Lions linebacker/ defensive end Brandon Copeland is likely out for the season after tearing a chest muscle in a preseason game Sunday against the Colts. Copeland had been a key special- teams player, as well as someone who could play both linebacker and defensive end. The Dolphins reportedly will sign undrafted freeagent receiver Trey Griffey, the son of Hall of Fame baseball player Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was released by the Colts last week.

This and that

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette and receiver Marqise Lee won’t play in the team’s second preseason game Thursday against the Buccaneers. Fournette has a nagging foot injury; Lee badly sprained his right ankle during practice.

◆ Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has concussion symptoms and has been ruled out for the team’s preseason game this week against the Steelers.

◆ Newly acquired Bills receiver Jordan Matthews has a chip fracture in his sternum and is listed as week- to- week.