The players and the NFL have not agreed to any restrictions on their freedom of speech regarding anthem protests.
Here's the status of that discussion between the NFL and the union:
The NFLPA released this statement on July 10, 2018:
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NFLPA Files Grievance Challenging NFL's New Anthem Policy; Will Talk to NFL About Solution
Posted: 7/10/2018
Our union filed its non-injury grievance today on behalf of all players challenging the NFL’s recently imposed anthem policy. The union’s claim is that this new policy, imposed by the NFL’s governing body without consultation with the NFLPA, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights.
In advance of our filing today, we proposed to the NFL to begin confidential discussions with the NFLPA Executive Committee to find a solution to this issue instead of immediately proceeding with litigation. The NFL has agreed to proceed with those discussions and we look forward to starting them soon.
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The NFLPA and the NFL released this joint statement on July 20, 2018:
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Joint Statement on Anthem Policy
Posted: 7/20/2018
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. |
