NFL players reportedly already discussing new forms of protest after national anthem rule

Various NFL players are reportedly discussing different forms of protesting in response to a new policy requiring players to stand for the national anthem.

“I talked to a former NFL player yesterday who has said that players are already talking about other ways in which they can protest,” NBC’s Craig Melvin said on “Today” on Thursday. 

Melvin did not specify which players he spoke to, or what other forms of protesting they were considering. 

“I talked to a former NFL player yesterday who has said that players are already talking about other ways in which they can protest.” @craigmelvin talks response to new NFL policy pic.twitter.com/opgMKznkUC

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 24, 2018

Other journalists, including NFL Media reporter Jim Trotter, said they are also hearing of some players considering other forms of protest, including staying in their locker room for the national anthem. 

While admittedly a small sample size, some players are telling me they’re *considering* staying in locker room or making a different on-field gesture simply b/c they feel this new policy is a direct challenge to them. Before today, they hadn’t thought about demonstrating in ‘18.

— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) May 23, 2018

What I’m hearing from players: Those who weren’t planning demonstrations for next season are now back in the conversation, discussing ways to skirt to new rules “just to spite the NFL.”

— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) May 23, 2018

{mosads}The league on Wednesday unveiled a new policy aimed at outlawing kneeling during the national anthem at games. Teams will be fined if their players disobey the new rules.

“We believe today’s decision will keep our focus on the game and the extraordinary athletes who play it — and on our fans who enjoy it,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. 

The decision comes on the heels of months of deliberations among team owners. 

Players began kneeling during the anthem in 2016 as a means of protesting social injustice in the U.S. 

President Trump first publicly criticized the demonstrations during his 2016 presidential campaign. He continued to lambast players who kneeled during the 2017 football season. 

Updated at 8:34 a.m.