Goodell, NFL owners, not kneelers disrespect flag.

Kneeling during public playing of the National Anthem to call attention to social injustice is patriotic. Banning such kneeling under threat of fine is not. Demanding an NFL player can protest by remaining in the locker room during the Anthem is degrading and insulting to the player and to America's democratic ideals. "It's OK to protest", the NFL is saying, "Just don't let me see you." That's sorta like Birmingham Police Chief Bull O'Conner telling Martin Luther King he must protest in his house before entering Birmingham streets.

This August every player on both teams in the first exhibition game should come out proudly for the Anthem and kneel. It might take a game or two but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his cowardly owners will quickly huddle and call a new play: "No harm...no foul."