NFL's new anthem policy will fine teams if players don't 'show respect for the flag' on the field

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Note to NFL players: If you come out for the national anthem, you better stand.

Players will now have the option of staying in the locker room for "The Star Spangled Banner," according to a new policy unanimously approved by the league Wednesday in Atlanta.

Players who do opt to come onto the field for the anthem will be required to stand "and show respect for the flag and the Anthem."

While players will have option to stay in the locker room, all players on the field must stand under new policy. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Teams will be fined by the NFL if their players choose to follow in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick.

"It was unfortunate that on-field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic. This is not and was never the case," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

The new #NFL national anthem policy: pic.twitter.com/mcMdopp7tb

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) May 23, 2018

The league is also putting the onus on franchises to make their own regulations in accordance with the rule.

The heated topic, which has been debated since Kaepernick first took a kneel during the anthem in 2016, was reviewed Tuesday when owners considered imposing a 15-yard penalty, the equivalent of lowering your helmet to throw a vicious hit.