NFL, Players Agree To Temporarily Halt Enforcement Of Anthem Protest Rules

Miami Dolphins players kneel during the national anthem before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Nov. 13, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C.

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Updated at 12:30 a.m. ET on Friday

The National Football League and the NFL Players Association have agreed to suspend enforcement of new rules requiring players to stand during the pregame rendition of the national anthem, after a report that the Miami Dolphins would fine and/or suspend players for up to four games for violating the policy.

A joint statement from the league and the players’ union was issued late Thursday following a report from The Associated Press, citing an internal Dolphins document on the new penalties for defying the league-wide policy. The policy had not yet been made public.