The NFL "Rule Book" does not address behavior during the playing of the National Anthem. The "Operations Manual" does address the issue saying the player will stand, face the flag, hold their helmet in their left hand and refrain from talking.
The operations manual is distributed to the team officials-owners, managers, coaches by the league. That being said, it would appear that team officials can choose whether or not to enforce the manual. The "Rule Book" would carry league sanctions.
However, in the "Rule Book" under the "General Rules" a player may not "wear or display or otherwise convey messages in writing or by illustration". It would seem the situation is clear, but the debate rages on.
In other professions, the violation of the company handbook and policies is grounds for discipline and or dismissal.
The fact remains, does the public care enough about the issue to exercise their freedom by turning off the TV?
