Patriots Have New National Anthem Choice, Sort Of

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The NFL announced new rules Wednesday regarding the national anthem that would require players to stand if they are on the field, but gives the option of remaining in the locker room during the anthem. The policy, approved by NFL owners, states that a team with anyone who is on the field and does not stand will be issued a fine determined by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Patriots fans are surely asking themselves: When has giving vague and broad disciplinary powers to the commissioner's office ever resulted in an unfair decision?

Through a statement, the NFL Players' Association said they were not consulted by the league and the vote contradicts statements made to player leadership by Goodell and John Mara, the chairman of the NFL's management council.

"NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about issues they care about," the statement reads.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly warned owners and players during an October meeting that President Donald Trump would use the issue "as fodder to do his mission that I don't feel is in the best interests of America. It's divisive and it's horrible."

Last year, some Patriots took a knee during the anthem prior to their Week 3 game against the Houston Texans, in protest of comments made by Trump that players who kneel should be fired. By the next game, the team announced that players and coaches on the sideline would stand with a hand on their heart and an armed draped around the person next to them.

Photo by Michael Dwyer/Associated Press