Report: Dolphins could fine, suspend protesting players

Under the NFL's new national anthem policy, teams can punish protesting players as they see fit, and it appears the Miami Dolphins are taking an aggressive approach.

Dolphins players who protest on the field during the anthem could be fined and/or suspended up to four games by the team, according to a private document provided to The Associated Press. Anthem protests are classified as "conduct detrimental to the club" in the document.

The NFL and Miami officials declined to comment. However, sources told ESPN's Jeff Darlington that the team only submitted its annual discipline schedule, and has not finalized any such measures regarding the anthem. All teams submit a discipline schedule prior to training camp, and the Dolphins are among the first to report in 2018.

Last season, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross withdrew his support for his players' decision to kneel during the anthem after the protests were perceived as anti-military.