Five NFL teams, including the St. Louis Rams, have instituted a “no kneeling” policy for the upcoming 2023-24 season, following the league’s release of teams from 1st Amendment rights obligations. Rams General Manager Joe Barron stated, “We don’t have to provide a 1st Amendment venue; we’re not the federal government. We can police our own locker room and make our own rules.” Over a dozen players have been waived for expressing their intent to kneel, creating ripples in the league. The former Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders have also adopted this stance. Barron anticipates more teams will follow suit, prioritizing respect for troops over peaceful protest. The article hints at the Chicago Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers as potential adopters, with speculation about Jacksonville possibly relocating to London, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
