fish82;1873522 wrote:If it was a "recommendation," there really wouldn't be a reason to mention penalties at all.
You can dance around the semantics all you'd like...no skin off my nose. At the end of the day, it's league policy, and not disputable.
They can penalize IF they want to -- a good example is for the Buffalo Bills running back who did nothing respectful and essentially mocked the protest.
Recommendations are completely different than mandates. It says "should." What happens if you can't? That means you're still breaking policy. Policy also does allow for certain people groups to respond how they feel with the national anthem (i.e., those that do not believe in celebrating/praising something other than their "god").
Difference in policy (example):
-- You should get your flu shot before winter comes.
-- You shall get your flu shot before winter comes.
One is a recommendation. The other is a mandate. You are recommended to get a flu shot VERSUS you must get a flu shot. The ambiguity gives Gooddell the power and authority he likes so much.