NFL: “Everyone Should Stand”

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Roger Goodell

During this dramatic start to football season with players kneeling during the national anthem, the NFL has largely stayed silent.

That changed yesterday when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to all 32 teams. Goodell lamented that the current controversy is “threatening to erode the unifying power of our game.” “Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the National Anthem,” he added.

The national anthem controversy began last year when Colin Kaepernick (then-quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers) kneeled during its playing.

Pressure from Washington

The drama has caught the attention of the White House. President Trump has weighed in on Twitter. Trump even ordered Vice President Pence to leave a recent Indianapolis Colts game if there were players kneeling. The trip for Pence cost taxpayers $250,000.

President Trump again used Twitter on Tuesday to propose hitting the NFL with tax penalties for players not standing. “Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!”

Taking its Toll

NFL ratings have been in decline for sometime. The first two weeks of this season saw ratings down 7% percent compared to the year prior.  Politically charged games certainly aren’t helping the NFL get more viewers to tune in. Ratings for Sunday Night Football on October 8th were down 3% from the week prior, a season low.