Miami Dolphins players who protest on the field during the national anthem could be suspended for up to four games under a team policy issued this week.
The ‘Proper Anthem Conduct’ section is just one sentence in a nine-page discipline document that 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.
The Dolphins say ‘all options are still open’ regarding the team’s decision to include protesting the anthem list of violations considered conduct detrimental.
Now their new policy is drawing criticism from activists who point out that the anthem punishment is on the same plane as testing positive for drugs or domestic violence charges.
In this Sept. 11, 2017 file photo, from left, Miami Dolphins’ Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, Michael Thomas, and Kenny Stills, kneel during the singing of the national anthem, which could now leave them suspended or fined due to new policy
Miami can choose not to issue any suspensions nor fine any player who protests the anthem.
Some of the other ‘violations’ listed under ‘conduct detrimental to the club’ include drug use or possession, gambling, breaking curfew and riding motorcycles as a driver or passenger from the start of camp until the last game of the season.
Rashad Robinson, executive director of Color of Change, an online civil rights organization that has supported boycotting the NFL, said: ‘It speaks volumes about what they think about black people,’ Robinson said. ‘What the Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross are doing is making a real claim that the injustices that people are speaking out against don’t matter.’
A positive drug test carries a potential four-game suspension, and domestic violence charges can carry a six-game suspension and even a lifetime ban for a second offense.
Robinson said he has been in touch in recent months with Ross’ Initiative in Sports for Equality, or RISE, to help find new leadership for the nonprofit.
RISE is ‘dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress,’ according to the organization’s website.
‘(Ross’) idea of harnessing people’s political voice is shutting it down,’ Robinson said.
The Dolphins said in a statement: ‘The NFL required each team to submit their rules regarding the anthem before their players reported to training camp. We will address this issue once the season starts. All options are still open.’
Dolphins veteran receiver Kenny Stills took a knee with a hand on his heart during the anthem throughout last season. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips put his arm around Stills before one game. Two other players who knelt – safety Michael Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas – are no longer with the team.
Defensive end Robert Quinn, who raised his fist during the anthem while with the Rams, is now with the Dolphins.
Miami’s anthem policy comes after the NFL decided in May that teams would be fined if players didn’t stand during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ while on the field. The league left it up to teams on how to punish players. None of the team policies have been made public.
The ‘Proper Anthem Conduct’ section of the Miami Dolphins’ discipline document classifies protesting the anthem ‘conduct detrimental to the club’. In this Sunday, Oct 23, 2016, file photo, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10), free safety Michael Thomas (31) and defensive back Chris Culliver (29) kneel during the National Anthem
Jets acting owner Christopher Johnson said shortly after the league announced its policy that he will not punish his players for any peaceful protests – and would pay any potential fines incurred by the team as a result of his players’ actions.
The NFL rule forbids players from sitting or taking a knee if they are on the field or sidelines during the national anthem, but allows them to stay in the locker room if they wish. The new league rules were challenged this month in a grievance by the players union.
The NFL declined to comment.
‘Players who are on the field during the Anthem performance must stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem,’ says the 16th and final bullet point on Miami’s list of conduct considered detrimental, below disparaging teammates, coaches or officials including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The NFLPA said earlier this month that the NFL policy, which the league imposed without consultation with the players union, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights. The filing will be heard by an independent arbitrator, an NFLPA spokesman said.
When the league announced the policy, Goodell called it a compromise aimed at putting the focus back on football after a tumultuous year in which television ratings dipped nearly 10 percent.