NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the football league will encourage its millionaire players to promote social change like San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick did when he refused to stand for the national anthem.
Goodell was speaking before the Minnesota Vikings played their first game in their new taxpayer-funded stadium. He said that “protests to progress” was a good sign from the league players.
“As I’ve said before, I truly respect our players wanting to speak out and change the community,” Goodell said. “We don’t live in a perfect society. We want them to use that voice. And they’re moving from protests to progress and trying to make things happen in the communities. And I admire that about our players, (being) willing to do that.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell waves to fans before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
“Obviously, we want to respect people. We want to respect our differences. We want to respect our flag and our country, and our players understand that. So I think where they’re moving and how they’re moving there is very productive, and we’re going to encourage that.”
Kaepernick once again kneeled during The Star-Spangled Banner before the 49ers’ loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Members of the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers were among others demonstrating in different ways during the anthem. Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said in a radio interview his team will do some sort of demonstration before Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.
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