The NFL experimented with a policy to force NFL players to stand for the national anthem. This backfired as it caused fans more on the left to feel that free speech is being inhibited. It was also a policy suggested by the President of the United States. In a time where the right is moving toward a more nationalistic approach to policy and the left is in a state of resistance, this type of policy can’t win with all football fans both on the left and the right.
It has caused the NFL to be in a “no-win” situation.