NFL team owners on Wednesday voted to approve a new national anthem policy, but as of Wednesday evening only a handful of those owners had commented on a decision that was sending transcendent ripples of controversy throughout the league.
The league's policy statement cited "respect for the flag and the Anthem" multiple times as the key to the modification. Previously, NFL rules required all players to be on the field for the national anthem, but standing during the anthem was suggested, not required. The new policy allows players to remain off the field for the national anthem, but those who choose to be on the field are required to stand.
Both publicly and behind closed doors, NFL team owners for the most part have made no secret of their desire to end protests against social injustice during the national anthem at football games. That's their ultimate goal with Wednesday's action, but many, including Sporting News, are questioning the sensibility of the new policy.
STEELE: New national anthem policy 'solves' a problem that didn't exist
Below are comments to media and public statements made by the NFL team owners who have spoken on the issue since Wednesday afternoon.
Arthur Blank, Falcons
"I think the most important thing is that the league and players are aligned on these issues. This is not about players or owners or the NFL. This is about legitimate issues that live across the U.S. in a variety of settings." (Via CNBC)
Mark Wilf, Vikings co-owner
"We are very supportive of what we came out with today in Atlanta. Respecting the fact that players on the field should be standing for the anthem. We have a great respect for what the flag means and we're very supportive of this policy." (Via CNBC)
Jeffrey Lurie, Eagles
"I have always believed it is the responsibility of sports teams to be very proactive in our communities. In this great country of ours, there are so many people who are hurting and marginalized, which is why I am proud of our players for continuously working to influence positive change. Their words and actions have demonstrated not only that they have a great deal of respect for our country, but also that they are committed to finding productive ways to fight social injustice, poverty, and other societal issues that are important to all of us. We must continue to work together in creative and dynamic ways to make our communities stronger and better with equal opportunities for all." (Via Eagles.com)
Jim Irsay, Colts
"I, along with Colts players and employees, remain committed to utilizing our unique platform to address social issues and community ills in a positive manner. The NFL's new anthem policy and corresponding statement reinforces that commitment and our patriotism should never be in doubt." (Via Colts.com)
Shad Khan, Jaguars
"We all want the same thing — respect for our nation and the flag, the focus on our game and a pledge to advancing social justice that will be absolute and stand the test of time. I believe we’re closer to that today, and I know that the Jacksonville Jaguars will be committed to those ideals this season and into the future." (Via FirstCoastNews.com)
Kim Pegula, Bills
"We are proud of the work the league and our players have done over the course of the year to help strengthen our communities, raise awareness on issues of social injustice, and help find solutions. The policy instituted today will have no effect on that whatsoever. Our communication has been strong with the leaders of our team and that will continue. I plan on meeting with Coach (Sean) McDermott, (general manager) Brandon Beane and players in the near future to reiterate that." (Via Bills.com)
MORE: Reactions to new anthem policy
Jed York, 49ers
On why he abstained from voting on the anthem policy: "I think there are a lot of reasons, and I'm not going to get into all of them. But I think the gist of it is really that we want to make sure that everything we're doing is to promote progress. And I think we've done a good piece of that so far."
On the 49ers closing concessions during the anthem: "I don't think we should profit during the national anthem. If we're going to ask people to be respectful, I think that's something we should do to be successful. We want to make sure we have an all-encompassing sort of solution to how we look at this and not point the finger at one group or another." (Via ESPN.com)
Michael Bidwill, Cardinals
"I think it has been a good discussion internally coming up with this policy. (We) look forward to getting the focus back on football, getting back to football in 2018." (Via AJC.com)
Mark Murphy, Packers CEO
"I think one of the unfair things coming out of last year was that players were labeled as unpatriotic. No, it was never a question of being unpatriotic. What they were primarily challenging was police mistreating of minorities. It had nothing to do with the flag.
"We spent a lot of time talking about players and how the players might react to this. One of the real positives coming out last year was it really forced us to have a good working relationship with out players. We talked with our players — I know I did — about issues that we never would’ve talked about before. So there were a lot of positives with that. We wanted to make sure we didn’t lose some of that momentum." (Via Tom Pelissero)
Art Rooney II, Steelers team president
"As has been said, I think we have spent a lot of time really, not just at this meeting, but really over the last year discussing the subject of the anthem and working with our players to try to make sure we could get to a place where all the different viewpoints could be respected. I think we’ve come out at a place that we as a group and the league are comfortable with. Obviously, we want to continue to work with our players and make sure that they feel that their point of view has been respected. I think the fact that those who are not comfortable standing for the anthem have the right to stay off the field. So, we’re not forcing anybody to stand who doesn’t feel that’s within the way they feel about particular subjects. But those who are on the field are going to be asked to stand.
"I think that we’ve listened to a lot of different viewpoints, including our fans, over the last year. And I think this policy attempts to come out in a place where we respected everybody’s point of view in this as best we could." (Via Steelers.com)
Christopher Johnson, Jets acting owner
"I do not like imposing any club-specific rules. If somebody (on the Jets) takes a knee, that fine will be borne by the organization, by me, not the players. I never want to put restrictions on the speech of our players. Do I prefer that they stand? Of course. But I understand if they felt the need to protest.
"There are some big, complicated issues that we're all struggling with, and our players are on the front lines. I don't want to come down on them like a ton of bricks, and I won't. There will be no club fines or suspensions or any sort of repercussions. If the team gets fined, that’s just something I'll have to bear.
"Even without those fines, this is going to be tough on the players, and I want a chance to speak with the coaches and other players to get feedback on this policy and to build on the good work and momentum that we have built up on these issues of social justice, on legislation, and all the things that we can do. I don’t think that this policy will interfere with that at all.
"I have a really good relationship with the players, and I hope we can keep that going and I trust that we will. I’m so proud of our players and their efforts to date. I think that is the most important thing to get across. I could not be more proud of the guys." (Via Newsday)