Several NFL players continue protests in Week 7 after meeting with Roger Goodell, owners
Several NFL players continued to protest Sunday, five days after a group of them met with commissioner Roger Goodell and multiple team owners in which the recurring demonstrations during the national anthem were discussed.
Eight San Francisco 49ers players decided to kneel during the national anthem before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, tight end Julius Thomas and safety Michael Thomas stayed in the locker room for the national anthem, as did Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews. Los Angeles Rams linebacker Robert Quinn again held a fist in the air during the anthem, and Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving did the same at the end of the song.
On Thursday, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters and lineback Ukeme Eligwe remained seated for the national anthem before a game against the Oakland Raiders. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett also chose to remain seated again Sunday against the New York Giants.
Goodell reiterated last Tuesday that the league believes its players should stand, saying that he wanted the number of protesting players "at zero."
“But we want to make sure we are understanding what the players are talking about, and that’s complex,” Goodell said.
Giants co-owner John Mara said the policy regarding procedure during the national anthem "is not going to change."
Another meeting between NFL owners and players to discuss social issues has been set for Oct. 31, according to multiple players.
PHOTOS: NFL players' protests