Is the NFL itself disrespecting the American flag?
May 24, 2018, 6:00 AM
Roger Goodell. (File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
NFL owners have agreed that players do not have to be on the field for the playing of the National Anthem. But if they are on the field they must stand and show respect.
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Commissioner Roger Goodell defined respect as standing at attention, with hats off and focused, which is close to what Title 36 of the US Code says.
Of course, what will happen is that instead of players kneeling, the protest will just be not showing up. And fans might wonder if the players who do show up are being patriotic, or just afraid of being Kaepernicked.
But what about the NFL itself?
Under the US Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8, subsection (c): “The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.”
So is stretching those giant flags horizontally over the playing field even allowed?
Subsection (g): The flag should never have placed upon … any part of it … any insignia.
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The NFL shield has a football insignia placed on a blue field of white stars.
Subsection (j): No part of the flag should ever be used as a[n] … athletic uniform.
The NFL has a flag decal on every helmet, for cryin’ out loud. Although I guess as long as the President doesn’t notice, it’s OK.
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