Report: NHL owner says any player who “disrespects the flag” won’t be allowed to play.

The first official stance on the subject of anthem protests from an NHL team.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: NHL owner says any player who “disrespects the flag” won’t be allowed to play.
Keystone Press

With anthem protests sweeping the NFL the past few weeks, you knew it was only a matter of time before the political issue made its way over to the NHL. Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown raised his fist in the air during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner in an act of silent protest against racism and police brutality in the United States.

As of yet, no other NHLer has joined Brown in protest, but Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has made it clear what the consequences will be for anyone on his team who elects to protests: they’ll be watching from the press box.

According to a report from Chris Maathuis, CBS sports director, Foley agreed with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones who said, “any… player who ‘disrespects the flag’ won’t be allowed to play.” It’s a bold stance to take on a bold subject, but it’s not particularly surprising given Foley’s history with the Army as a West Point graduate.

What do you think of Foley’s position? Is he overstepping his boundary as an owner? Or is he within his rights given the insane amount of money he paid for the franchise?