It was not inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement. Know how I know that? Because there was a rule already in place against anyone on the field who failed to stand for the flag and Anthem. The league simply failed to enforce it.

All they have done with this new "policy" is lay out the same rules with an exception that you can stay in the locker room without penalty. It's a cop out, and does nothing to solve the problem, in the first place, and yet the players STILL don't like it? Who cares. Move to Mexico or Cuba, or whatever place you believe is so much better than here.

The NFL rulebook makes no mention of the national anthem. But the game operations manual does.

Here’s what the game operations manual says regarding the national anthem, according to an NFL spokesperson:

"The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses."

It’s important to note the use of the word “may” here. The NFL is not considering punishing fines on players or teams who choose to kneel or stay in the locker room during the national anthem, the spokesperson says.