Goodell: NFL Players 'Should' Stand For National Anthem, But No Rule Change
NEW YORK (CBSLA/AP) -- The NFL is not changing its national anthem policy to require players to stand during the national anthem.
Commissioner Roger Goodell and several owners said Tuesday at the league's fall meetings that altering the language from "should stand" to "must stand" was not discussed.
New York Giants owner John Mara noted that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones "spoke at length" to the other owners about the anthem issue. Jones has said any Dallas player who doesn't stand for the "Star-Spangled Banner" would not be playing.
Goodell reiterated that the league and its 32 clubs "believe everyone should stand for the national anthem. It's an important part of the game."
His estimate of "half a dozen" players who were still currently protesting appeared to contrast earlier reported estimates stating the number was closer to 200.
Asked about owners who threatened discipline for players who didn't stand, Goodell said the owners didn't discuss it.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)