NFLPA director rips anthem policy for trying to 'exert control' over players

National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) executive director DeMaurice Smith blasted the NFL for implementing a new policy which mandates all players and league personnel to stand for the national anthem and flag prior to games if they are on the field.

The league implemented the policy Wednesday and the NFLPA responded promptly, noting they weren't consulted about the new legislation and would challenge any aspect that is in opposition to the league's current collective bargaining agreement.

Smith spoke about his own personal disdain for the rule.

"It smacks as more of a desire to exert control rather than a desire to stand up and support the rights and freedoms that our country was founded on," Smith told ESPN.

It was reported that the NFL didn't hold an official vote among team owners about the policy, while San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York and Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis later revealed they abstained from voting. This certainly wasn't lost on Smith.

"It doesn’t appear to have the full support of all of the CEOs who own teams," Smith said. "It punishes not only players who wish to protest but also could punish players who want to come out and stand and salute the flag."

The new anthem policy is one of the most contentious pieces of legislation the NFL has enacted in recent memory and it doesn't appear that players, nor their union, will back down from voicing their opposition anytime soon.

- With h/t to Pro Football Talk