NFL, NFLPA resume anthem dialog

Members of the NFL executive committee and NFL Players Association met Monday in East Rutherford, N.J., to resume discussions designed to establish a policy or universal protocol for the national anthem.

"Today, we continued our productive dialog on the issues that players have raised awareness about and we remain committed to working together on solutions," the sides said in a joint statement released Monday afternoon. "In the spirit of our ongoing collaboration and progress, we will continue the confidentiality of our discussions."

Owners and active players were at the table again after the NFL touted progress two weeks ago.

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Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung tweeted earlier Monday: "At today's meeting between @NFLPA reps & @NFL execs/owners, I plan to share this viral video of @RepBetoORourke being asked if NFL players kneeling is disrespectful. The tone he sets makes me proud to be a Texan & gives me hope that a productive dialog is possible."

O'Rourke is running for U.S. Senate in Texas opposite Ted Cruz. At a town hall meeting last week, O'Rourke reasoned "I can think of nothing more American" in a detailed response to a question about how he felt about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.

"I'm looking forward to today's meeting in NYC," Okung continued via Twitter. "I believe this face to face conversation is pivotal & will determine if meaningful progress will be made. Critically, I hope we can stop avoiding the conversation that @RepBetoORourke so eloquently encouraged us to have."

In March, owners announced a new policy that required players to either remain in the locker room during the playing of the anthem or stand to show respect.

The policy, which stated players could be fined for violations, was quickly scuttled as the NFLPA resisted the measure not being collectively bargained.

President Donald Trump continues to speak up on his belief that all players should stand at attention during the anthem. Some owners, including Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys and Bob McNair of the Houston Texans, have strongly endorsed that position.

--Field Level Media