Over a quarter million people have joined a Facebook group vowing to boycott the NFL this weekend — which included Veteran's Day — over the ongoing national anthem protests among the players.
What's going on?
A Facebook page, Boycott the NFL, has more than 250,000 follows from people who have vowed to boycott the NFL. Those who support the page have promised to protest the NFL today.
"We will be not be watching or listening to NFL games on November 12th in solidarity with veterans around the country, as football players have continued to disrespect the national anthem, the American flag, and everything our nation stands for," the page says, according to Fox News.
Some bars and other sports establishments will also be participating, Fox News noted. One New Jersey bar plans to hold a fundraiser for veterans instead of playing football games on its nearly two dozen screens.
KDVR-TV reported that a decorated veteran even turned down the opportunity to be honored tonight during a Denver Broncos game.
How has the NFL responded?
Despite the backlash, and the fact that it is Veterans Day weekend, there will be no change in the anthem policy. A joint statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL players association said:
There has been no change in the current policy regarding the anthem. The agenda will be a continuation of how to make progress on the important social issues that players have vocalized. Everyone who is part of our NFL community has a tremendous respect for our country, our flag, our anthem and our military, and we are coming together to deal with these issues in a civil and constructive way.
However, the players association said they will hold a two-minute moment of silence. The Washington Times noted that about two dozen players, mostly from the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, regularly kneel during the anthem.