Report: NFL weighing optional observance of anthem, 15-yard penalty for kneeling

The playing of the national anthem and how to handle protests during the anthem are reportedly under heavy discussion at the NFL's spring meetings.

Protests dominated headlines during the early portion of the 2017 season, but serious talks about the topic were deferred until league owners could get together after the season to hammer out a plan.

The ideas currently being discussed are letting the home team determine whether both clubs will exit the locker room for the anthem and assessing a 15-yard penalty for kneeling, Albert Breer of the MMQB reports, citing sources.

The NFL does not expect to come to a resolution on the issue Tuesday, but the discussion is expected to continue into Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

The action of kneeling during the anthem drew the ire of President Donald Trump last season, and his public criticism of the league's handling of the matter sent the NFL into damage-control mode.

In November, the league agreed to commit nearly $100 million to social justice programs. In return, players such as the Philadelphia Eagles' Malcolm Jenkins agreed not to demonstrate during the anthem in the future.

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