NFL Freezes New National Anthem Rules

Members of the Dallas Cowboys take a knee before the start of the national anthem at an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 25, 2017. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The NFL’s national anthem policy is on hold.

After The Associated Press reported that the Miami Dolphins would suspend players who protest on the field during the anthem—they could be suspended for four games—the league issued a statement.

“The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue,” said a joint statement from the NFL and the NFL Player’s Association. “In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA’s grievance and on the NFL’s anthem policy.

“No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks,” said the league, adding that it and the Dolphins are holding discussions.

“The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness and justice. Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation,” the statement added.

In May, the NFL said that teams would be fined if players didn’t stand for the national anthem on the field. It forbids them from taking a knee or sitting down, but it allows them to stay in the locker room if they so choose.

The NFL preseason starts Aug. 2 with the Hall of Fame game between the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears.