fish82;1873477 wrote:Which is probably why I didn't mention the rulebook, but referred to the operations manual, as did the original article on the topic.
The original article is what Snopes originally face-planted on when trying to discredit it. That said, I'm not sure why facebook dummies calling it the "rulebook" instead of the operations manual somehow discredits it.
The fact is that it's league policy that players stand at attention for the anthem, and Goodell is once again being exposed as a hypocrite.
The operations manual doesn't even require it.
“During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking.
Key words in there: "players
on the field and bench area" AND "
should stand at attention." It does not say the players are "required" to be on the field. Nor does it say they are "required" to stand.
I get it, I imagine "should stand at attention" probably does mean "are required to stand at attention." Unfortunately, it doesn't say that and there is ambiguity.
Yes, it goes on to say:
"Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”
Doesn't actually say that any of those things "must" or "will" happen.
I know I'm in with semantics, but they are important. It's how they were written. And, I agree with you on Goodell being Goodell in this regard. Why the ambiguity? Why not take a hard stance?
But, I also see that semantics are important here -- i.e., A62-63 doesn't exist and NOTHING is mandated. They are all suggestions and possibilities.
Compare that wording to this:
“All persons representing a Federation national team shall stand respectfully during the playing of national anthems at any event in which the Federation is represented”
Shall denotes a requirement that is mandatory, an individual must adhere to what is required. Should denotes a recommendation, allows an individual to make a judgement call. Sorry for getting hung up on this...I just get caught up in it, and seeing tons of misinformation amongst my social media hasn't helped.
