Donald Trump was discussed during NFL owners' national-anthem meetings, per report
NFL owners considered a variety of factors while discussing possible changes to the league's national-anthem policy — including how President Donald Trump would react, according to a report by Sports Illustrated.
The outlet reported Thursday morning that, according to an anonymous owner, Trump's name came up three times in the discussions but "never for any extended time." Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy told Sports Illustrated that Trump's possible reaction was discussed among ownership.
"Oh yeah," Murphy told SI. "It was more how (Trump) might react, anticipating that. Also, how the fans will react, how the media will react. That's what we tried to think through.
"No matter what we did, (Trump) would probably try to get involved one way or the other — either criticizing us or taking credit for the change."
Trump's reaction came in a Fox News interview that aired Thursday morning in which he said NFL owners "did the right thing" by requiring players on the field to stand. But the president also said he does not like the idea of players instead waiting in the locker room, adding that those who choose not to stand: "Maybe you shouldn't be in the country."
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The new national-anthem policy, which was announced Wednesday, will not require NFL players to be on the field during the national anthem. But it does allow the league to fine teams whose players protest on the field during the pregame playing of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.