The NFL has a real problem on their hands with the National Anthem. They tried to pass an agreement that put the teams in charge of punishing the players who don't participate in the anthem and it has backfired. It has been a talking point across the entire league but not everyone is allowed to talk about it.
According to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com, Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown told her that owners have been “instructed” to not talk about the National Anthem issue.
“The league and the union are talking on this and we’re instructed to stand down while that’s ongoing,” Brown said. “I’m not going to sit here and stir the pot. They don’t want to hear from me right now. Let’s see how this bubbles up and I hope they can come up with some kind of answer that is acceptable to not just the clubs and the players but more the public.”
Brown then added with a laugh: “And let’s not forget the president!”
President Donald Trump continues to talk about the National Anthem and how players need to stand up. Trump is a big reason that the anthem protest controversy is still in the news and it seems he won't stop until every player is standing on the sideline with their hand on their heart.
The NFL and NFLPA are trying to reach a new agreement that both sides will be okay with for the upcoming season and some sort of agreement is expected in the next couple of weeks. Until that happens, expect the owners to continue to be instructed to not talk about the issue.
