USSF, Nascar Revise Policy Regarding Athlete Actions During National Anthem
Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 02:44PM NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service
June 10, 2020: The U.S. Soccer Federation, having already affirmed it believes that “Black Lives Matter, and we support the fight against racial injustices,” has now changed its official position regarding the national anthem.
USSF said its Board of Directors voted to repeal Policy 604-1, which required its players to stand during the national anthem.
“The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe kneeled in solidarity with the peaceful protest inspired by Colin Kaepernick (in 2016), who was protesting police brutality, and the systematic oppression of Black people and people of color in America,” according to USSF.
“It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter.”
Leaders of USSF said they “have not done enough to listen — especially to our players — to understand and acknowledge the very real and meaningful experiences of Black and other minority communities in our country.
“We apologize to our players — especially our Black players — staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism. Sports are a powerful platform for good, and we have not used our platform as effectively as we should have. We can do more on these specific issues and we will.”
Concurrently, Nascar has removed guidelines that team members must stand for the national anthem, “opening the way for peaceful protests during pre-race ceremonies,” according to NBC Sports.
Nascar removed the guidelines before the Folds of Honor Quik Trip 500 in Atlanta Motor Speedway. on June 7, according to the network.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell indicated last week that players would not be punished for peaceful protests.
“We, the National Football League, admit that we were wrong for not listening to NFL Players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” Goodell said via a video posted to social media platforms.
“We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and wanted to be part of the much-needed change in this country.”
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee this week said it was forming an athlete-driven group indeed to to challenge the rules and systems in our own organization that create barriers to progress . . . including your right to protest.”
Like the NFL, USSF said “it should be, and will be going forward, up to our players to determine how they can best use their platforms to fight all forms of racism, discrimination, and inequality.
“We are here for our players and are ready to support them in elevating their efforts to achieve social justice. We cannot change the past, but we can make a difference in the future. We are committed to this change effort, and we will be implementing supporting actions in the near future.”
NFL, Players: ‘We Believe Black Lives Matter’
USOPC Athlete Group Will ‘Challenge Rules That Create Barriers’
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