NFL Players' Union Files Grievance Over Anthem Policy

Says it 'infringes on player rights'
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 10, 2018 1:26 PM CDT
NFL Players' Union Files Grievance Over Anthem Policy
San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold, from bottom left, kneels with safety Eric Reid, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, and wide receiver Louis Murphy during the national anthem before a game in 2017.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance with the football league over its national anthem policy, USA Today reports. The policy, passed in May after the kneeling controversy, requires players to stand during the anthem or stay in the locker room. In a statement, the NFLPA says it was not consulted on the policy and that the policy "is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights." The union says that the NFL has agreed to hold confidential discussions with the NFLPA Executive Committee "to find a solution to this issue instead of immediately proceeding with litigation," and that those talks will begin soon. CBS Sports notes that the NFLPA raised similar concerns after the policy was issued, and had promised to review and challenge it if necessary. (More NFL stories.)

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