*By Conor White*
The former NFL star Victor Cruz said the league's new rule requiring players on the field to stand during the national anthem exacerbates an us-against-them dynamic between owners and players.
"It just doesn't make sense to me," Cruz said in an interview Thursday with Cheddar. "I just don't understand why you're retracting a player's right to even protest or do anything that you wanted to do. It just feels like you're continuing the narrative that you're the player, and we're the hierarchy, and you have to listen to us, and pay attention, and do as we say."
The former New York Giants wide receiver vocalized what some current players have said they are feeling.
Last week, the NFL announced it would fine a team an undisclosed amount if any of its players were to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. Players can stay in the locker room during the anthem if they do not want to stand.
In an [interview with ESPN](http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/211882/victor-cruz-youve-got-to-respect-the-flag) in 2016, Cruz had said the American flag needed to be respected, and that he thought players should stand with their teammates during the anthem "regardless of how you feel about things that are going on in America."
Now, the 31 year old said NFL players should be able to express themselves.
"I still stand by those players who are protesting, fighting for a change, or fighting for the right things to be done, not only in the NFL, but across the world," Cruz said.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/victor-cruz-makes-an-impact-off-the-football-field).
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The Baltimore Ravens are rolling the dice on a new partnership with Horseshoe Casino. The agreement will allow Horseshoe to use team trademarks and logos; the casino plans to eventually build a new Ravens-themed bar on site. The real opportunity, however, will present itself if the state of Maryland decides to legalize sports betting, the NFL team's Senior VP of corporate sales, Kevin Rochlitz, said Wednesday in an interview with Cheddar.
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Two brothers-turned-co-founders are using their Wall Street and athletic experience to make lacrosse a mainstream sport ー with its own league, season, venues, and even exclusive TV deals. Paul Rabil, a professional player with Major League Lacrosse, and his brother Mike founded the Premier Lacrosse League based on their shared love of a sport that has long been associated with Northeastern prep schools and Ivy League "bro" culture.
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Sean Pate, brand communications officer for Zenni Optical, and Matt Kobe, VP of business and analytics for the Chicago Bulls, spoke with Cheddar about why the new partnership was a perfect fit.
Peloton, the stationary bike maker with a cult-like following, has launched Tread ー an all-in-one treadmill and bootcamp experience. CEO John Foley said you can now get a full-body workout at home.
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