ESPN Won't Broadcast Anthem at NFL Games

Network says it has no plans to do so amid the controversy
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 17, 2018 2:37 PM CDT
ESPN Won't Broadcast Anthem at NFL Games
Jacksonville Jaguars stand on the sidelines during the national anthem before a preseason game on Aug. 9.   (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Those looking to see for themselves how NFL players are responding to the national anthem will be out of luck on ESPN broadcasts of Monday Night Football this year. The network tells Axios that it does not plan to broadcast the anthem in the upcoming season. "We generally have not broadcasted the anthem, and I don't think that will change this year," says ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, as tweeted by Axios' Sara Fischer. Meanwhile, the league and the Players' Association continue to try to work out a policy for player conduct during the anthem, and USA Today reports that it's not certain one will be in place for the Sept. 6 start of the regular season. (President Trump has a suggestion for those who don't kneel.)

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