Mike Pence voices support for new NFL anthem rule

#Winning pic.twitter.com/aEJOCmB5lW

- Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 23, 2018

Vice President Mike Pence quickly voiced his support for a contentious new policy implemented by the NFL on Wednesday, which states that players must stand for the national anthem if they are on the sidelines prior to the game.

The NFL, which apparently did not consult the players' union, announced the rules on Wednesday - a decision that was panned by many in the football community.

This isn't the first time Pence has interjected himself into the NFL's debate about how players should conduct themselves during the national anthem. He briefly attended an October 2017 game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers, and then walked out shortly after 23 players knelt during the anthem.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has voiced its displeasure with players protesting social and racial inequality during the national anthem. During a rally in September, Trump asked NFL owners to fire players who continued to protest, which spurred even more displays across the league, with owners joining their players in an ostensible sign of solidarity.

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