Yep, so much for free speech and the right to protest.
The first amendment means the government itself cannot censor free speech.
NFL players aint exactly insurance claim adjusters. Supply dictates demand.
Very limited supply of NFL players compared to the type of regular corporate/business sector type gigs to which youre referring.
Its just business.
Owners caved to the players with the fund for charities they promised and now they cater to the rednecks by imposing the no-kneel rule.
Trying to keep both sides placated so they can get back to earning.
When does supply ever dictate demand? If there is a lower supply of a product and a higher level of demand, the price goes up (in this scenario). Overall demand isn't a function nor is it going to increase because of the overall level of supply... Am I wrong here? I do agree there isn't a ton of supply of NFL caliber athletes, but at the same time, there currently aren't any competent rivals to the NFL for football in the USA either. It's a give and take.
The NFL is obviously nothing without it's athletes, and these athletes could hypothetically decide to leave the NFL and create a different, competing league. But I don't envision this happening in the near future.
Nonsense.
The National Anthem playing before a game is such a fluky American thing that no one else does; I don't see how this question holds water when comparing to a normal job. In fact, by giving players the option to remain in the locker room, the NFL is implying that being present for the anthem is not a strict work obligation at all--enough to give them the option of skipping it, anyway. It's not like they are ignoring typing emails or filing recipes or whatever minutiae in order to protest. They are simply making a point during a non-obligatory pregame ceremony that is completely pointless.
This whole episode could have been avoided if 1) the league would grow a set and stand by its players and 2) these offended American patriots would take a second to educate themselves, try to understand the world from the point of view of people who are murdered and brutalized by police, and consider that maybe all isn't Holy and Good in this cluster**** of a country.
I don’t understand the point behind the first paragraph, so I apologize if I’m off base with what I have gathered. The employer in this case (The NFL) has decided it’s better for their bottom line if the players protesting on the field are not visible, and are doing what they can to protect their bottom line. Not saying that’s the correct or moral thing or that I even agree with it, but it is what it is. The players can call for change and utilize their first amendment rights outside of their time at “work”. Whether the job is a gardening, retail, or NFL job is irrelevant.
Being present for the anthem isn’t the strict work obligation… strictly not kneeling for the anthem is the obligation. No obligation to be present on the field during the anthem, but an obligation to not openly kneel or “disrespect” said anthem (in quotes because I don’t agree with that point of view).
Now, do I agree with what the NFL did? No, not really. The players aren’t trying to disrespect the anthem, and are trying to make it a positive thing to shed light and change an issue that is very important.
I personally would never in a million years kneel or sit for the anthem, but I would defend the right of others to do so (in an open setting).
The anthem BS is purely propaganda
This mandatory by implication rituals of nationalism should have never entered into pro sports.
A part of me agrees with this. I consider myself patriotic, but not sure how necessary it is to play the anthem before every single sporting event. On certain special occasions or international matches, sure.
). From a company policy standpoint you certainly are correct. 
