NFL Bans Kneeling During The National Anthem

​The NFL on Wednesday approved a new policy to intercept national anthem protests before they happen, according to the league.

The measure mandates that players who are on the field must stand for the national anthem but can remain in the locker room if they choose.

Teams could be fined by the league if their players sit or kneel, as many have done in protest of racial injustice and police brutality in recent seasons after NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s initial kneeling protest in 2016 earned nationwide attention.
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The fining or punishment of players and other personnel would be dictated by the individual teams.

​The NFL Players Association criticized the league for failing to consult with the union on the matter.
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“Our union will review the new ‘policy’ and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement,” the union said.

This article originally appeared on Huffpost.