NFL players, teams offer varying reactions to new national anthem policy

The National Football League on Wednesday approved a revised conduct policy regarding the national anthem. 

The revision allows players who do not wish to stand during the anthem to remain in the locker room. In addition, each franchise will have the power to issue their own policies, which could include fines for players who are on the field but do not stand.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Malcolm Jenkins offered perhaps the lengthiest reaction on Twitter, prefacing it with the hashtag #TheFightContinues:

"What NFL owners did today was thwart the players' constitutional rights to express themselves and use our platform to draw attention to social injustices like racial inequality in our country. Everyone loses when voices get stifled.

"While I disagree with this decision, I will not let it silence me or stop me from fighting. ... 

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"For me, this has never been about taking a knee, raising a fist or anyone's patriotism but doing what we can to effect real change for real people."

Jenkins also is one of the Eagles players who said they would not visit the White House or meet with President Donald Trump when the team is honored for winning its first Super Bowl next month. The safety is one of the leaders of the Players Coalition.

Denver Broncos CEO Joe Ellis reiterated the team wants all members of the organization to stand for the anthem, but added, "At the same time, we need to listen to our players and support the issues and causes that matter to them."

New York Jets chairman Christopher Johnson said the team would not enact any specific rules prohibiting kneeling or other forms of expression. "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,” Johnson said.

The San Francisco 49ers were one of the teams with the most players kneeling during the anthem as a way of calling attention to police brutality and racial injustice. Colin Kaepernick began the protest in 2016 and later was joined by then-teammate Eric Reid. Both of them remain unemployed and have filed collusion grievances against the NFL, alleging teams won't hire them based on their protests.

Niners owner Jed York abstained from the vote because he wanted to hear more from players. He also said he is considering halting concession sales during the anthem. 

At least one player, veteran Carolina Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith, took exception to the NFL's use of the phrase "appropriate respect for flag and anthem" in announcing its new policy. 

More:NFL's new national anthem policy will hardly silence players protesting social injustice

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Smith emphasized that being disrespectful is a matter of opinion.

"Most people who believe that ignore the responses from the players and more importantly why men chose to protest," he said.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin told a Seattle radio station he was "not surprised, I'm disappointed" at the new rule.

"The NFL cares about one thing and that's the NFL -- that's the bottom line," Baldwin said.

NFL Players Association executive George Atallah wasn't pleased with what he believed was a one-sided decision. In a Tweet, Atallah put the word "compromise" in quotes, saying it was only between the NFL and team CEOs. As for the NFLPA, "we weren't there or part of the discussions."

Eagles defensive lineman Chris Long has been one of the most outspoken players on social and political issues, donating his entire $1 million base salary last season to charity.

"This is fear of a diminished bottom line," Long tweeted. "It's also fear of a president turning his base against a corporation. This is not patriotism. Don't get it confused."

He concludes with a vow to use his platform to advocate for change. "I'm someone who's always looked at the anthem as a declaration of ideals, including the right to a peaceful protest. Our league continues to fall short on this issue."

Follow Gardner on Twitter @SteveAGardner