I expect NBA players to kneel during the national anthem in protest of the mistreatment of black people in America, following the lead of Colin Kaepernick.
How will the NBA respond? The rulebook says, “Players, coaches and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem.”
Brian Windhorst of ESPN:
NBA & player's union met this week and agreed to work together to address possible protests during national anthems, sources said
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) September 22, 2016
I’m glad both sides are talking now. We all know this issue is coming. Better to find a resolution before it becomes a mess.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has been progressive on social issues. He’s also beholden to the league’s owners and corporate partners. That has left him in a bind before.
I doubt he wants to fine players for breaking the anthem rule. They key is finding a compromise he deems permissible.