President Trump took to Twitter to scold the NFL for the most recent development in the ongoing national anthem drama on Friday evening.
The NFL National Anthem Debate is alive and well again – can’t believe it! Isn’t it in contract that players must stand at attention, hand on heart? The $40,000,000 Commissioner must now make a stand. First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2018
The President suggested that a “first time [kneeler]” should be suspended for that game, and a second offense would lead to a year long ban and no pay. (RELATED: NFL Announces Proposed Penalty For Kneeling For Anthem – The Fans Are Pissed)
His tweet comes a day after the Associated Press obtained and published the preliminary disciplinary plans for the Miami Dolphins.
They reportedly were considering both monetary fines as well as potential suspensions.
After that was released, the team released a statement trying to minimize the blowback, while the NFL and NFL Players’ Association issued a statement agreeing to continue looking towards a long term solution.
“In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue,” their statement said. “We have come to a standstill agreement on the N.F.L.P.A.’s grievance and on the N.F.L.’s anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing.”
The league owners voted on a new policy in May that will force any player who remains on the sideline for the anthem to stand — however, it does give players the option to stay in the locker room.