The NFL is tossing it off as his “freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem”. The only thing that will cause them to take any action is if fans stop adding to their profit line.
Yeah—Because the NFL was so accepting and tolerant of Tim Tebow.
Adrian Peterson criticized gay marriage, and was later suspended for disciplining his own son. Related? Maybe, maybe not. But freedom of expression is only tolerated for certain topics.
Just a few weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys were denied a chance to express their support for murdered police officers.