When the NFL owners passed the rules that teams would have a say over punishment for anthem protest they were hoping the issue would go away, but instead it is blowing up again, which isn't what anyone wanted.

The NFL and the NFL's players association released a joint statement on Thursday night saying the two sides were working towards a resolution that both sides agree on. The statement also says that no rules surrounding the anthem will be enforced the next couple of weeks as the agreement continues towards a conclusion, via Pro Football Talk.

“The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue. In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.

“The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness and justice.

“Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation.”

After the league passed the new rules this offseason, the players' association spoke out against them which has led to the two sides trying to reach an agreement.

What exactly the two sides will agree on is still to be seen, but expect the players association to put up a fight over this issue.