Miami’s anthem policy is strict
Miami Dolphins players who protest on the field during the national anthem could be suspended for up to four games under a team policy issued this week.
The “Proper Anthem Conduct” section is just one sentence in a nine-page discipline document provided to the Associated Press by a person familiar with the policy who insisted on anonymity because the document is not public. It classifies anthem protests under a large list of “conduct detrimental to the club,” all of which could lead to a paid or unpaid suspension, a fine or both.
The Dolphins said in a statement: “The NFL required each team to submit their rules regarding the anthem before their players reported to training camp. We will address this issue once the season starts. All options are still open.”
Miami can choose not to issue any suspensions nor fine any player who protests the anthem. Some of the other “violations” listed under “conduct detrimental to the club” include drug use or possession, gambling, breaking curfew and riding motorcycles as a driver or passenger from the start of camp until the last game of the season.
The team’s rookies reported to camp Wednesday.
Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills took a knee with a hand on his heart during the anthem throughout last season. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips put his arm around Stills before one game. Two other players who knelt — safety Michael Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas — are no longer with the team.
Defensive end Robert Quinn, who raised his fist during the anthem while with the Rams, is now with the Dolphins.
Miami’s anthem policy comes after the NFL decided in May that teams would be fined if players didn’t stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner” while on the field. The league left it up to teams on how to punish players. None of the team policies have been made public. Falcons’ Jones in limbo: Stifled by the salary cap, the Atlanta Falcons won’t be offering Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones a more lucrative contract this year.
Now the question is: Will Jones show up for training camp?
The Falcons informed Jones several weeks ago that they would not renegotiate his $71.5 million package, which has three years remaining and included $47 million in guaranteed money, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
The team hasn’t been told if Jones will be at training camp. Players are required to report Thursday, with the first practice the following day. Vikings sign draft pick: The Minnesota Vikings signed firstround pick Mike Hughes, putting their entire eight-player draft class under contract the week before training camp begins.
The 5-foot-10, 189-pound Hughes was the 30th overall selection, the highest drafted defensive player in Central Florida program history. Hughes made a strong impression during spring practices with the Vikings, taking turns at the nickel cornerback position and also working as a kickoff returner.
Hughes had four interceptions for the Knights in 2017 to tie for the team lead and a 31.8yard average on kickoff returns to rank fourth in the FBS.
The four-year deal with a fifth-year option was completed Thursday. Vikings rookies report to headquarters Tuesday, with their first on-field practice Wednesday.