NFL players are free to express themselves as long as it fits the PC narrative.

Roger Goodell is a loathsome hypocritical dirtbag.

It turns out that there are specific rules for decorum prior to NFL games. From WaPo:

The specific rule pertaining to the national anthem is found on pages A62-63 of the league’s game operations manual, according to a league source. It states:

“The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem.

“During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”

And from Time:

Here’s what the game operations manual says regarding the national anthem, according to an NFL spokesperson:

The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem.

During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.

Note that this is NOT from the NFL rule book, but from the NFL operations manual, which is not available to the public.

But worry not, millionaire snowflake football players, the NFL is not going to enforce the rules:

The NFL will not discipline those teams and players who refused to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem before games Sunday, league spokesman Joe Lockhart said Monday.

“There will be no discipline handed down this week,” Lockhart, the NFL’s executive vice president of communications and public affairs, said in a conference call with reporters.

and you’re going to love the reason:

“We also believe our players have a right to express themselves,” Lockhart said.

(That’s Joe Lockhart, the former Clinton press secretary)

“We also believe our players have the right to express themselves”

Uh, they have the right to express themselves sometimes, if the cause is politically correct. To wit:

Tim Tebow was widely ridiculed for taking a knee in prayer.

The Dallas Cowboys wanted to place a small sticker on the helmets of their players in support of the 5 policemen slain in Dallas.

Uh uh, says Goodell.

The Cowboys heard back from the NFL on Wednesday and were told by league officials they can’t wear the decal during any preseason or regular-season games, executive vice president Stephen Jones said. Jones added that the Cowboys can wear the decal during training camp practices.

“Everyone has to be uniform with the league and the other 31 teams,” Jones said after practice Wednesday. “We respect their decision.”

A number of football players wanted footwear in remembrance of 9-11.

Nope, said Goodell.

The NFL squashed Titans starting linebacker Avery Williamson’s plan to use fancy footwear to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

Williamson was going to wear custom patriotic cleats during the Titans’ home opener against the Vikings on Sunday, the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but those plans changed when a league representative called to inform him about a looming fine for violating uniform code.

Defensive back William Gay wore purple cleats to raise awareness about domestic violence.

That was 15 yards and loss of down.

And now cornerback William Gay, whose mother was killed in an act of domestic violence, has been fined for wearing purple cleats to support domestic violence awareness.

Gay supported domestic violence awareness with his cleats in order to honor his mother and others like her, and he got fined, too. You may have heard about the NFL having a hard time dealing with domestic violence issues of late. It’s been in the news a bit. Meanwhile, Greg Hardy is out there on the field for the Cowboys every Sunday after a mere four-game suspension for his “alleged” domestic violence incident, shoving coaches and ranting at teammates at his leisure.

And to top it off, all those patriotic ceremonies with the flag that take place prior to the game? The NFL was charging the DoD for them.

The NFL is pretty selective about what and when things can be worn. Then again, the commissioner is a complete jerk and presides over a league of millionaire snowflakes.

This is one former fan who won’t be watching any football this year. Good riddance.

Chaser:

Here’s where you can follow your favorite NFL felon.

DrJohn

DrJohn has been a health care professional for more than 30 years. In addition to clinical practice he has done extensive research and has published widely with over 70 original articles and abstracts in the peer-reviewed literature. DrJohn is well known in his field and has lectured on every continent except for Antarctica. He has been married to the same wonderful lady for over 30 years and has three kids- two sons, both of whom are attorneys and one daughter on her way into the field of education.

DrJohn was brought up with the concept that one can do well if one is prepared to work hard but nothing in life is guaranteed.

Except for liberals being foolish.