NFL is a brand, this merchant relies on that brand to sell merchandise. When the brand is tarnished, sales slump.
The NFL should have nipped this Kaepernick bs in the bud early.
Now they are fucked. They will either piss off one side or the other...and in the end, the NFL will be diminished by it.
You want to protest...do it on your own time.
You want to protest...don't disrepect the national anthem, the flag and the country while doing so.
Football is not bigger than patriotism. Patriotism has crushed the NFL this week. It's a lesson they have learned before, but somehow forgot.
From Time magazine...
"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."
Does the NFL Require Players to Stand for the National Anthem?
So this isn't news to them...they understand...there were no surpises.