By: Steve Dellar | 10-11-2017 | News
Photo credit: Marcel De Grijs | Dreamstime.com

NFL Leadership To Tackle 'Take A Knee' Issue Amid Dwindling Ratings

Amid dwindling ratings and more fans turning off, amid a sales drop of merchandise and tickets, finally, the NFL owners have understood what needs to be done apparently.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a letter to all team owners stating clearly that the ‘take a knee’ issue will be tackled during their meeting in New York next week.

In a letter he sent to the various teams, Mr. Goodell said: "Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the national anthem. It is an important moment in our game. We want to honor our flag and our country, and our fans expect that of us. We also care deeply about our players and respect their opinions and concerns about critical social issues."

The issue has, of course, become highly politicized as Vice-President Pence walked out on an NFL game over the weekend as some players present on the field did not respect the US flag and the national anthem. President Trump has been critical of such players for weeks on end, resulting in many of his hard-core supporters simply ‘turning off’ for the games.

Owners are of course very aware of the business implications the anthem controversy is having. Up to this point, no major sponsors have dropped out but it is clear that the VP walkout is a turning point for many fans.

The league acknowledges unofficially that there is a link between the protests and the TV ratings which are in free fall mode.

Mr. Goodell added: "Everyone involved in the game needs to come together on a path forward to continue to be a force for good within our communities, protect the game and preserve our relationship with fans throughout the country. The NFL is at its best when we ourselves are unified. In that spirit, let's resolve that next week we will meet this challenge in a unified and positive way."

Source:

http://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/41575318

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2 Comment/s
Anonymous No. 9461 2017-10-11 : 10:39

Simple solution ….. IF there is not already a simple contract clause requiring proper decorum, behavior on stadium and Playing field grounds in all NFL contracts? Then ADD it across the entire league.

1st offense., Suspension for 4 games and pay.

2nd offense voids the reminder of the season or 6 games minimum plus prorated contract pay.

3rd offense in 3 years voids the players contract and requires an 18 month ban from playing for ANY NFL TEAM.

Anonymous No. 9477 2017-10-11 : 19:02

9461 - very true

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