The NFL and NFLPA don't often agree. But they have done so in one instance, and that is to put the league's policy on how it will handle the national anthem on hold while the two sides continue to discuss the player's union's grievance filed against the league recently regarding the issue.
In a joint statement issued Thursday night, the NFL and NFLPA said the policy will not be enforced over the next few weeks while the two sides continue to discuss how or if they can come to an agreement on how the anthem will be handled.
"The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue. 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," the statement read. "No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.
"The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness and justice.
"Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation."
At issue is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's proclamation earlier this year following a meeting with the league's owners that will require players to stand on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem during pre-game ceremonies or stay in the locker room.
Any player kneeling or otherwise not following the league's directive would be subject to fines. Individual teams also were open to fines if players or team personnel don't show respect for the anthem. That would include any attempt to sit or kneel. Teams also will have the option to fine any team personnel, including players, for the infraction.
The issue has arisen because dozens of players around the league have knelt in the past two seasons in what they have said is a protest of police brutality against minorities.