*By Michael Teich*
The NFL is trying to make it clear to its players, fans, and marketing partners that it believes in the power of the America brand, and kneeling during the national anthem will not be tolerated, said Bram Weinstein, a former anchor at ESPN.
All 32 team owners endorsed a new league policy that subjects teams to a fine if a player or another member of a team's staff does not stand for the national anthem. However, players may choose to stay in the locker room during the anthem, the league said.
With the new policy, the NFL is telling its players that the football field is not a platform for their social activism, said Weinstein, even if the league's statement said it is interested in working with players "to advance the goals of justice and fairness in all corners of our society."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a news conference Wednesday that the on-field protests, "created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic." That perception, among other issues, may have contributed to the league's falling TV ratings, said Weinstein.
The NFL Players Association was quick to criticize the policy, saying in a statement that it would "challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement."
The player's are unlikely to strike, but "something is going to happen" because it is still important to the players to show support to their communities, said Weinstein.
Some NFL players have been taking a knee during the national anthem, led by then-San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his 49ers teammate Eric Reed, who began kneeling two years ago to bring attention to issues of police brutality and racial equality.
Kaepernick hasn't played in the league since 2016 and was an unsigned free agent. He filed a grievance against the NFL last year alleging that the owners colluded against him.
“They’ve already been threatened, and a couple of them have been blackballed," said Weinstein. "The league can pretend that's not happening, but Colin Kaepernick is an example of what can happen to your employment future in this league if you continue to do this."
"It's a real live threat,” he said.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/nfl-will-fine-teams-if-players-kneel-during-anthem).
The victims from the USA gymnastics sexual abuse scandal continue to seek justice. Survivors of Larry Nassar are seeking more than one-billion dollars from the FBI for failing to stop the convicted sports doctor when the agency first received allegations. According to a report released by the Justice Department's Inspector General, FBI agents knew
in July of 2015 that Nassar was accused of abusing gymnasts; however, Nassar wasn't arrested until December of 2016. The group that filed the claim includes Olympic medalist Simone Biles and around 90 other women. Louise Radnofsky, sports reporter at The Wall Street Journal, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
A controversial professional golf tour backed by Saudi Arabia tees off on Thursday. Today, two-time Major winner Dustin Johnson announced he's resigned from the PGA Tour ahead of headlining the Saudi-backed tour, called the LIV Golf Invitation Series. The announcement comes as the PGA tour has threatened disciplinary action for its golfers who take part in the Saudi golf league event, which will also feature notable golf stars like Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia; however, LIV Golf's CEO, Greg Norman, told The Washington Post that Tiger Woods rejected a contract worth 'high nine digits' to play in the tour. Chris Bumbaca, reporter for USA Today Sports, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Marques Ogden, former NFL offensive lineman turned author and celebrity success coach, joins Cheddar to discuss his career transition after his NFL playing days and how he overcame a low point to prioritize family and re-shape his life as a success coach.
Abe Stein, Head of Innovation at Sports Innovation Lab, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains why the top four spots on his company's 2022 list are European soccer clubs and discusses Sports Innovation Lab's plan to publish data on women's pro sports teams in the not-too-distant future.
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Alex Barrett discusses why he believes taking his salary in crypto is the best financial decision for him, while Bitwage CEO Jonathan Chester breaks down how Barrett and other crypto investors can best utilize his platform.
The 2022 NBA playoffs are intensifying as four teams vie for an NBA finals berth. Tonight, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors can book their finals ticket with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, while Miami will be feeling the 'heat' tomorrow night, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics.
And with the growing popularity of sports betting, the NBA playoffs offers a potential money-making opportunity for fans. Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is displaying his world-renowned collection of historic memorabilia to the public for the first time in the Big Apple. Irsay joined Cheddar News to talk about why he's bringing artifacts from the Beatles to Jerry Garcia to light now. "I borrow all this stuff, you know, and I just feel kind of an obligation to share it with the public and make it come alive if you will," he said.
Ryan Hammond, Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains how the Eagles Autism Challenge came together and how the entire organization, beginning with team owner Jeffrey Lurie, has been able to raise autism awareness to new levels.
Alex Glaze and Trysta Krick tell viewers which NBA wagers will be a slam dunk while Gabe Lacques steps into the batter's box with his best picks for MLB Opening Day.
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Alex Glaze and Trysta Krick provide their winning strategies for betting on the end of the NBA Play-In Tournament and the start of the playoffs, while Minty Bets breaks down Thursday night's MLB slate and pitches her top picks.
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