Dolphins Reportedly Say All Options on Table for Anthem Protest Discipline

The Miami Dolphins could be taking steps that would prevent any of their players from protesting during the national anthem.

Per Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, the team provided a policy document to its players this week stating they could be subject to fines and/or a suspension of up to four games if they engage in protests prior to games this season.  

Per ESPN's Jeff Darlington, the Dolphins submitted a discipline schedule to the NFL, as required by league rules, but have not yet finalized official discipline measures for players who might protest during the national anthem. 

Darlington added the Dolphins have "no intention" of suspending a player four games for protesting, and they still don't know if or how they will handle discipline. 

"We will address this once the season starts and all options are still on the table," the Dolphins said, via Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald. 

The NFL and the NFL Players Association issued a joint statement Thursday night: 

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has been adamant about players on his team standing during the national anthem. 

"All of our players will be standing," Ross told Christian Red of the New York Daily News.

According to Maaddi, the policy, labeled "Proper Anthem Conduct" is part of a "nine-page discipline document" that features a list of "conduct detrimental to the club" which includes protests during the anthem.

The NFL adopted a new policy in March that states all players and league personnel on the field prior to games must stand when the national anthem is played.

Players and league personnel are given the option to remain in the locker room if they don't want to stand. If players protest on the sidelines, the team is subject to fines from the league and teams have the option to fine players.