Roger Goodell says NFL fans should be more understanding of protests during national anthem

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says football fans should be more understanding when players protest the national anthem.  

During a Q&A session with Cardinals season-ticket holders, Goodell was asked if he believes protests are "going to be another problem" this season.

This past weekend, Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch and Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett both sat down while the national anthem was played before their preseason games.

"It's one of those things where we have to understand that there are people who have different viewpoints," Goodell said via ESPN. "It's something that I think everybody wants. The national anthem is a special moment for me. It's a point of pride.





That is a really important moment but we also have to understand the other side - that people do have rights, and we want to respect those."

He added that players have a responsibility for protesting "at the right time and in the right way."

"Protest to progress is what I call it. We all have to recognize that people want to see change. Let's go out and try to make that happen in a peaceful and an important way," Goodell said.

Marshawn Lynch sat on a water cooler during the national anthem before the Raiders preseason game against the Cardinals Saturday.

 (RICK SCUTERI/AP)

After he sat down in protest Sunday, Bennett told ESPN he wants to use his platform to spread a message of equality and he plans on sitting throughout the season.

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee throughout most of the 2016





season and he has yet to find a new job in the league since becoming a free agent.

Seahawks DE Michael Bennett sits during the National Anthem

With the events in Charlottesville last weekend, protests are expected to continue throughout the league.

SOURCE : ROGER GOODELL