League ponders anthem policy

NFL owners will meet next week to consider changes to a game manual that says players “should stand” during the national anthem, a guideline the league has left to the discretion of players who kneeled in large numbers after criticism from President

Trump.

Commissioner

told club executives Tuesday in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that the anthem issue is dividing the league from its fans. NFL spokesman

said the guidance will be “front and center on the agenda” when owners meet next week in New York.

The movement started by former 49ers quarterback last season over his view of police mistreatment of black males had mostly subsided when Trump told a rally in Alabama last month that owners should get rid of players who kneel during the anthem.

Lockhart said he wasn’t sure if players would be included in discussions during the league meetings.

The anthem issue flared again Sunday when Vice President a former Indiana governor, left the Colts’ home game against the 49ers after about a dozen 49ers players knelt during the anthem.

A few hours later, Cowboys owner declared publicly that he would bench any players for what he saw as disrespect of the American flag. Dolphins coach

at the behest of owner implemented a policy that players must stand for the anthem. Those who don’t wish to stand must stay in the locker room or in the stadium tunnel.

Before Sunday’s game, Ross said

Goodell Lockhart Gase, Colin Kaepernick Mike Pence, Jerry Jones Steve Ross, Donald Roger Joe Adam President Donald Trump

has changed the focus of anthem conversation from social injustice issues to patriotism, so it’s better now for the players to stand.

“He’s changed that whole paradigm of what protest is,” Ross during his CommUnity Tailgate gathering at Hard Rock Stadium before the home opener against Tennessee.

“And I think it’s incumbent upon the players today, because of how the public is looking at it, to really stand and really salute the flag.” Hall of Fame tight end and former Bears coach

a critic of players kneeling during the anthem, said Monday that the United States has been free of oppression for at least a century.

“All of a sudden, it’s become a big deal now, about oppression,” he said on a national radio show. “There has been no oppression in the last 100 years that I know of. Now maybe I’m not watching it as carefully as other people.”

Ditka,

An Bradford day to day: MRI on quarterback

left knee revealed no additional injury. He was pulled from the Vikings’ victory over the Bears on Monday because of continued discomfort. Vikings trainer

described Bradford’s condition as “wear and tear.” His status for Sunday’s game against the Packers is day to day.

Bradford missed three straight games after suffering a non-contact injury in the team’s season opener. He tore the ACL in his left knee in 2013 and 2014.

Bradford’s Sugarman Mike Sam Eric

Patriots quarterback sat out practice because of a left shoulder injury.

NFL Network reported that Brady has an AC joint sprain, but that he would play Sunday against the Jets.

Tom Brady