New NFL anthem policy at standstill

The NFL’s new national anthem policy has been put on hold.

The move was announced in a joint statement by the league and the NFLPA on Thursday night after the Associated Press reported earlier in the day that a Dolphins’ policy stated they would suspend players up to four games should they protest during the anthem.

“The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue,” the statement read. “In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.

“Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation.”

The new policy, which was ratified in May, gives players the option to remain in the locker room during the anthem, but those who choose to be on the field must stand. Discipline for any protests is left up to the teams.

The AP reported that the Dolphins in the “Proper Anthem Conduct” section included in their recently released nine-page discipline document listed protesting during the anthem under “conduct detrimental to the team.” That means violation could lead to paid or unpaid suspension, a fine or a combination of both.

A source close to the team told the Miami Herald the Dolphins had to have a policy in place before reporting to training camp. The team’s rookies reported Wednesday.

The policy also stated Miami can choose not to issue any suspensions nor fine any player who protests the anthem.

The freeze also puts the NFLPA’s grievance that the implementation of the rule is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement on hold.