NFL officials, owners, and the players association met in New York this week to address the ongoing crisis surrounding the US national anthem, with both sides struggling to find an agreement that would appease those who choose to “take a knee” during the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’
The high-stakes negotiations include players and owners -working alongside NFLPA officials- who hope to reach an agreement before the 2018 football season ratchets up.
“The meeting was to include players and owners, along with league and NFLPA officials, and came as the regular season nears. It is not clear if the two sides will be able to reach a compromise on a new anthem policy by the Sept. 6 season-opening game in Philadelphia between the Eagles and Atlanta Falcons,” writes the Tribune.
At today's meeting between @NFLPA reps & @NFL execs/owners, I plan to share this viral video of @RepBetoORourke being asked if NFL players kneeling is disrespectful. The tone he sets makes me proud to be a Texan & gives me hope that a productive dialogue is possible [THREAD] https://t.co/HZeALcmOR0
— OKUNG 🐆 (@RussellOkung) August 27, 2018
“I’m looking forward to today’s meeting in NYC,” said LA Chargers offensive lineman Russell Okung. “I believe this face to face conversation is pivotal [and] will determine if meaningful progress will be made.”
Read the full story at the Chicago Tribune.
AMERICA’S GAME? NFL FINES Athlete Over Santa Shoes, ALLOWS Players to TRASH US Flag
The “disgraceful” NFL reached a new low this week, fining a professional athlete for wearing red, Christmas-themed cleats during last Sunday’s game while permitting other players to blatantly disrespect the US national anthem and flag.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was fined over $6,000 for his holiday cheer; wearing the footwear to promote a GoFundMe page he created to provide football cleats to underprivileged youth hoping to play the game.
“Unfortunately The Grinch stole Christmas!! After the game I said that I would make a gofundme for the fine and donate the proceeds to charity sooooo…. here we are!” he wrote. “A donation will be made to Willie Hall playgrounds recreational department to provide cleats for their youth football programs.”
https://twitter.com/A_kamara6/status/946393809230983168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Finsider.foxnews.com%2F2017%2F12%2F29%2Fnfl-fines-alvin-kamara-christmas-cleats
https://twitter.com/A_kamara6/status/944637144680845316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Finsider.foxnews.com%2F2017%2F12%2F29%2Fnfl-fines-alvin-kamara-christmas-cleats
“Yeah, they were worth it,” Kamara told reporters.
The league’s decision to fine Kamara over his footwear raised eyebrows across the sports community on Friday, following months of the NFL permitting players to openly make political demonstrations on the field without any fines or consequences.
AMERICAN HERO: Disabled Veteran REFUSES AWARD from 'Tainted' NFL Team
“Although I am touched and honored to be selected for such an award, the ongoing controversy with NFL players’ disrespect for the national flag forces me to decline to participate in the presentation,” Wells said.
“I am unable, in good conscience, to enter an NFL stadium while this discourtesy prevails. Since this award is tainted with the dishonorable actions of the NFL and its players, I cannot accept it,” he added.
The NFL has been struggling to regain its footing following weeks of players choosing to “take a knee” during the performance of the US national anthem.
The ensuing controversy gained national attention when President Trump called for a total boycott of the NFL until officials and owners require players to stand during the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’
