NFL execs admit pressure from Trump a factor on anthem policy

[Miles Archer]

NFL execs admit pressure from Trump a factor on anthem policy

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/05/24/nfl-execs-admit-pressure-from-trump-a-factor-on-anthem-policy/



A day removed from the NFL changing its national anthem policy, it’s hard to escape the feeling that they were simply bullied by the President into doing something, whether it actually made anybody happy or not.

Via Albert Breer of SI.com, there was a clear sense at this week’s owners meetings that the reaction/taunting by Donald Trump at rallies and online (an inevitably on his favorite TV show) was a factor. The league’s new policy requires all players and personnel on the field to stand for the anthem, but it allows players to stay in the locker room if they choose.

Asked if Trump came up in their discussion, Packers president Mark Murphy replied with a laguh: “Oh yeah. It was more how Trump might react, anticipating that. Also, how the fans will react, how the media will react. That’s what we tried to think through. . . . No matter what we did, [Trump] would probably try to get involved one way or the other—either criticizing us or taking credit for the change.”

That seems obvious, and this morning’s appearance on FOX News will doubtless include a victory lap.

[MontanaMama]

1. No respect for these driveling

groveling owners. This is the group that wouldn’t let Dotard even own an NFL team and now they’re doing his bidding? Ridiculous weak individuals. Glad we dumped cable last year. Pro football won’t be watched in this house.

[ananda]

2. The real answer to this is to boycott all games.

But then there are the deplorables ...

[tanyev]

3. Why are so few of the very wealthy and powerful willing to tell DOTUS to go f**k himself?