Chicago Bears Players Talk About NFL's National Anthem Rule

CHICAGO, IL — This week, the NFL introduced its new policy concerning conduct when the national anthem is played before games. The rule is a response to players, such as Colin Kaepernick and others, kneeling during the anthem as protest against police brutality and other social injustices.

Under the new guidelines, which were passed by owners Wednesday, players, coaches and other other team staff on the field must stand for the national anthem. Players can elect to stay in the locker or somewhere out of view from the field.

Personnel who don't follow the policy could face league fines. Teams also are allowed to create their own policies so long as they don't undermine the new rule.

While no Chicago Bears players participated in kneel-down protests when the anthem was played last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers as a team — save for offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, an Army veteran — stayed in the locker room for it during a Week 3 game at Solider Field. The Steelers' demonstration received harsh criticism from President Donald Trumps, which was countered by a team statement from Bears chairman George McCaskey.

"The Chicago Bears are proud to support our players, coaches and all members of our organization to bring peace and unity together through football," he wrote. "What makes this the greatest country in the world are the liberties it was founded upon and the freedom to express oneself in a respectful and peaceful manner. Through important dialogue with our players and team , this divisive political situation has unified our franchise for the present and the future."

After the new policy was revealed, Chicago Bears players and coaches shared their opinions with the media. Here's what some of them had to say, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Linebacker and Team Union Representative Sam Acho

"About the policy, obviously from the beginning no one’s intent — and I think no one’s purpose — was to disrespect the flag. Everyone’s purpose, starting with Colin Kaepernick, Michael Thomas and Eric Reid — who still doesn’t have a job — was to protest police brutality against people of color. So I think that still stands, right? You’re going to find a way to stand up for people who were being unjustly treated, find a way to stick up for justice in whatever way shape or form you can possibly do it."

"It’s not an us-versus-them thing. Even though it might be perceived as an us-versus-them thing, either way both sides got to come together — rich, poor, black, white. You have to come together. It’s not like these powers at be that you talk about – whether it’s owners or whatever — are oppressing, oppressing, oppressing. There’s hatred on both sides. There’s doubt and fear on both sides.

"I think the only way to overcome that is a sense of love. That’s why I respect George and the McCaskey family. And I’m not just saying that as lip service because there are cameras here. I’m saying that because we’ve spent time together. We’ve spent a ton of time together and he sacrifices a lot. I know the vote was 32-to-0 with the owners, but I also know him as a man. I know we’re getting to the bottom of this."

Quarterback Mitch Trubisky

"Rule’s a rule. I’m just proud of how our team handled last year it in the past, and I believe we’ll all stand on the field together this year. It is what it is. I think it’s all about eliminating distractions for the team and for the audience. Just represent yourself and the organization in the right manner."

First-Year Head Coach Matt Nagy

"From what I was told there were no issues with this team last year, which is great. We’ll communicate it, we’ll talk it out, and we’ll make sure we’re listening to everybody and trying to do the right thing as much as we can. I know it’s a touchy subject but I feel confident we’ll do it together."

Photo via Patch archive