Sports | NFL NFL Players' Union Files Grievance Over Anthem Policy Says it 'infringes on player rights' By Evann Gastaldo Posted Jul 10, 2018 1:26 PM CDT Copied San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold, from bottom left, kneels with safety Eric Reid, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, and wide receiver Louis Murphy during the national anthem before a game in 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance with the football league over its national anthem policy, USA Today reports. The policy, passed in May after the kneeling controversy, requires players to stand during the anthem or stay in the locker room. In a statement, the NFLPA says it was not consulted on the policy and that the policy "is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights." The union says that the NFL has agreed to hold confidential discussions with the NFLPA Executive Committee "to find a solution to this issue instead of immediately proceeding with litigation," and that those talks will begin soon. CBS Sports notes that the NFLPA raised similar concerns after the policy was issued, and had promised to review and challenge it if necessary. Read These Next Brazilian influencer is dead at 27 after cosmetic surgery. Mexico's missing count is moving in the wrong direction. Conan O'Brien finally speaks on deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Trump aide gives punny response to Springsteen. Report an error