
With the NFLâs convoluted national anthem policy, teams now have a guideline for how to punish playersâif they chose to do soâfor protesting on the field during the anthem. The Miami Dolphins have decided to keep that option open just in case they need it.
Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reported today that the Dolphinsâ âdiscipline documentââbasically a schedule of potential suspensions and fines for various infractionsâconsiders protests during the national anthem to be âconduct detrimental to the club.â There is apparently a one-sentence section about âProper Anthem Conduct.â The maximum potential punishment for detrimental conduct is a four-game suspension.
Perhaps this to be expected from team owner Stephen Ross, who championed the playersâ protests right up until Donald Trump flapped his gums. âI was totally supportive of [the players] until Trump made his statement,â Ross said in his deposition for Colin Kaepernickâs grievance against the league.
This is not necessarily a Dolphins-specific policy, however, according to ESPNâs Jeff Darlington. The rest of the NFLâs teams may have similar language in their discipline schedules, and theyâll now have to cover their asses to the extent that they see fit.
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Even though the Dolphins have reportedly not decided on what the actual punishment for protesting will be, the players ought to test the rule. They hold the power and have the numbers. Donald Trump canât score a touchdown or make a tackle. Reject this, just like the union has. Itâll be good practice for the greater fight ahead, anyway.