Everyone Should Stand For National Anthem, NFL Commissioner Says

NEW YORK, NY — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to all football teams Monday addressing the ongoing debate over players kneeling during the national anthem, making it clear that he believes everyone should stand for the song.

The letter was obtained by several news outlets, including ESPN and NBC News. Goodell wrote that the league cares deeply about players and respects their opinions about critical social issues, but the controversy over the anthem was a barrier to having honest conversations and making progress on the underlying issues.

"We need to move past this controversy, and we want to do that together with our players," Goodell wrote.

Watch: Roger Goodell's letter to NFL teams: players should stand for the anthem

Addressing the national anthem specifically, Goodell wrote that "it is an important moment in our game. We want to honor our flag and our country, and our fans expect that of us."

The issue will be discussed at a league meeting next week. A plan that has been developed will be reviewed at next week's meeting, according to the letter.

"I expect and look forward to a full and open discussion of these issues when we meet next week in New York," Goodell wrote. "Everyone involved in the game needs to come together on a path forward to continue to be a force for good within our communities, protect the game, and preserve our relationship with fans throughout the country."

Asked about the letter at Tuesday's White House press briefing, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the administration supports the NFL asking players to stand just as the president has done.

"We support the national anthem, the flag and the men and women who fought to defend it, and our position hasn't changed on that front," Sanders said. "We're glad to see the NFL taking positive steps in that direction."

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on players to stand during the national anthem, saying it was a matter of respecting the troops and the country. The White House again brought the issue into the forefront over the weekend when Vice President Mike Pence walked out of an NFL game due to the kneeling. The protests, which then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started in 2016, are not intended to disrespect the flag but are meant to raise awareness about racial injustice, the protesting players have said.

You can read the full letter below:

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