The National Football League froze a controversial rule banning players from kneeling while the National Anthem plays before games.
Earlier this year the NFL announced the new rule which effectively bans players from taking a knee while the anthem plays.
The NFL lost thousands of ticket holders and millions of dollars in ad revenue as TV ratings plunged during the 2016-17 season.
Many outspoken NFL players criticized the league’s policy which carries stiff fines and/or suspensions for kneeling.
The Miami Dolphins promised to fine and suspend players for 4 games each if they kneel during a game.
On Thursday night, the NFL released a statement saying the two-month old policy was put on hold while the two sides talked things out.
“The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue,” the statement reads. “In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy.
“No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.”
The Dolphins were not swayed by the league’s decision.
“The NFL required each team to submit their rules regarding the anthem before their players reported to training camp. We will address this issue once the season starts. All options are still open,” the team said in a statement on Thursday.
SEE ALSO: T.I. Plans to Boycott Super Bowl in Atlanta Over Anthem Policy
The league acknowledged that the Dolphins can punish their players as they see fit.
The NY Jets acting owner Christopher Johnson said he will not punish his players for any peaceful protests — and would pay any potential fines assessed against his players for kneeling, according to Yahoo Sports.
Last month, rapper T.I. announced his plans to boycott Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta over the NFL’s ban on player’s kneeling during the anthem.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
