Tampa Bay Buccaneer Gerald McCoy predicts an “uproar” if NFL players are required to stand for the national anthem, because he claims it would take away “a constitutional right to freedom of speech.”
The defensive lineman recently told reporter Adam Scheffer during a podcast, “I think it’s going to be a negative reaction. I don’t think guys are gonna like it.”
“I think it’s gonna be an uproar if that is to happen because your basically taking away a constitutional right to freedom of speech. If guys want to have - I guess you would call a peaceful protest, I don’t think that’s right to take that away from guys.”
ESPN reports that McCoy does not plan to kneel for the anthem.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear in a letter sent to all 32 teams this week that he wants all players to stand during the anthem. No specific punishments were laid out for those that didn’t, and no plans to ensure participation were laid out.
It is likely the issue will be discussed next week at the NFL’s fall meetings.
(Cover Photo: Jeffrey Beall)