:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59831217/usa_today_10427285.0.jpg)
Two Philadelphia Eagles players have issued statements regarding the NFL’s new national anthem policy that was officially announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Spoiler alert: they’re not overjoyed about the new rules.
First up, Malcolm Jenkins.
#TheFightContinues pic.twitter.com/TX9IBDxRev
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) May 23, 2018
Chris Long also weighed in with a statement of his own.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) May 23, 2018
Also, very few of you tweeting me w a hypothetical occurrence @ their workplace actually have to stand for the anthem to start the day. I’m also aware (no lawyer here so who knows) that it’s technically the league’s right. I just disagree w it + think it may get messier bc of it.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) May 23, 2018
Jenkins and Long are hardly the only NFL players expressing disappointment about the league’s unanimous approval of the new policy. The NFL Players Association released a statement of their own earlier on Wednesday.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 23, 2018
Yeah, so, I’d say the players and the owners are not on the same page. They’re really not even reading the same book.
In addition to being two of the top players on Philadelphia’s defense, Jenkins and Long are obviously two of the most involved in social activism. Their work off the field has earned them each a Byron “Whizzer” White Community MVP award over the past two years. The award is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
Jenkins and Long will likely be made available to the media after the Eagles’ next open OTA practice, which is next Tuesday, May 29.