The NFL established a new national anthem policy this offseason which states players are required to stand if they are on the field during the performance, but gives them the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer. According to NFL.com, a team will be fined if players or personnel are on the field but "do not stand and show respect for the flag" during the national anthem.
Additionally, each team is free to develop their own rules regarding players and personnel who protest on the field during the national anthem. Today, the Miami Dolphins announced their team policy.
According to the Associated Press, Dolphins players who protest will be subject to fines and could be suspended for up to four games under the team policy that was issued this week. Miami's new anthem policy is reportedly noted on a large list of "conduct detrimental to the club," according to the AP.
"The ''Proper Anthem Conduct'' section is just one sentence in a nine-page discipline document provided to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the policy who insisted on anonymity because the document is not public. It classifies anthem protests under a large list of ''conduct detrimental to the club,'' all of which could lead to a paid or unpaid suspension, a fine or both."