NFL: Players must stand during National Anthem

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday the league will fine teams if their players and personnel kneel during the anthem.

The NFL gives players the option of staying in the locker room until the anthem is over, but if players are on the field, they must be standing. 

Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pic.twitter.com/1Vn7orTo1R

— NFL (@NFL) May 23, 2018

The kneeling controversy began with former San Franscisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kapernick, who chose to take a knee throughout the 2016 season, including at a game here in buffalo.

Kapernick said it was to protest racial injustices he sees in America.

This past season, Bills running back, LeSean McCoy, also took a knee during the anthem.

"In this country a lot things are going on, people are protesting in a violent way where if a guy wants to take a knee or express himself in any different manner he has that right," McCoy said.

Bills fan, Gene Smazyz of Orchard Park, says, "I think it's disrespectful. I don't understand why what the big deal is stand up for a minute or two minutes whatever the national anthem is what's the big deal."

The Bills tweeted a statement from Kim Pegula: "We are proud of the work the league and our players have done over the course of the year to help strengthen our communities, raise awareness on issues of social injustice and help find solutions.

The Bills say this new policy will have no effect on the team whatsoever.

The full statement is below: 

A statement from Bills Owner and President Kim Pegula. pic.twitter.com/ifBRsHzZNk

— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) May 23, 2018