The NFL has announced a new policy restricting staff and athletes from kneeling during the national anthem. And Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay says in a statement his team supports the measure.
The rule comes after months of controversy over players' decisions to take a knee during the anthem. The policy says players who choose not to stand must stay in a locker room or off-field location.
"I, along with Colts players and employees, remain committed to utilizing our unique platform to address social issues and community ills in a positive manner," Irsay says in the statement. "The NFL's new anthem policy and corresponding statement reinforces that commitment and our patriotism should never be in doubt."
Last year, Vice President Mike Pence left a 49ers-Colts game after San Francisco players kneeled during the anthem. Pence tweeted about the decision, saying the event "disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, [and] our National Anthem."
Earlier this week, Pence tweeted "#Winning" and an American flag, with a screenshot of an article announcing the new policy.
#Winning ?? pic.twitter.com/aEJOCmB5lW — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 23, 2018