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Chairman Of The New York Jets Says He Won’t Fine Players For Protesting The National Anthem

After reports broke this week from the National Football League in regards to players kneeling during the National Anthem, the Chairman of the New York Jets has spoken out against violating his player’s freedom of speech.

On Wednesday, the NFL issued a statement saying that players must stand during the National Anthem at a game–and if they decide not to, must remain in the locker room until the performance is complete. The protests against the National Anthem come about in protest of racial injustice and police brutality across the nation–started by Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel in protest during a 2016 game.

The NFL also stated if players decide to leave the locker room and still kneel on the field during the Anthem, the team could be fined immensely. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated:

“This season, all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. Personnel who choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room until after the Anthem has been performed.”

However, the NFL Players Association criticized the NFL for not consulting with the players union before issuing the statement. Now, fans and employees are speaking out against the new ruling–including the Chairman of the New York Jets, Christopher Johnson.

Johnson issued a statement saying he will not restrict his player’s freedom of speech and will not fine players for kneeling during the National Anthem–instead, he will pay the fines from the organization. He said:

“As I have in the past, I will support our players wherever we land as a team. Our focus is not on imposing any Club rules, fines, or restrictions. Instead we will continue to work closely with our players to constructively advance social justice issues that are important to us. I remain extremely proud of how we demonstrated unity last season as well as our players’ commitment to strengthening our communities.”

The team also issued this statement on Twitter.

And, fans were incredibly grateful.