Isn't it settled law that children do not have to stand for the pledge at schools who receive

[boston bean]

federal dollars??

Doesn't the NFL get federal dollars for subsidies for stadiums etc??

So wouldn't it fit the same type scenario that has been settled for decades.

How can one be made to stand for the anthem but not the flag??

[boston bean]

1. Maybe this was a stupid thought and question???

[amerikat]

2. Supreme court years ago (1943?) Ruled that no one has to stand for the anthem or salute the flag.

If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.

Read more at: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/451877/standing-national-anthem-voluntary-not-required

[boston bean]

3. Yes. But people talk about the nfl being private and therefore not infringing upon speech.

However any entity that receives federal $$ or assistance is representative of the govt. therefore making the 'private' entity argument moot, no??

[amerikat]

6. no official, high or petty

I think that includes NFL officials.

[unblock]

4. Do they actually receive federal dollars?

I thought they gave up their federal non-profit status.

The deals teams get on stadiums are usually breaks on state and local taxes afaik.

So I'm not sure that quite puts them in the same place as a school that actually gets a check from the federal government.

[boston bean]

5. I think so.

https://www.google.com/amp/dailysignal.com/2017/09/26/heres-much-money-nfl-rakes-taxpayers/amp/

[unblock]

7. I'm still not so sure

Maybe I'm making a distinction without a difference. But I think it's still just tax breaks.

Ok, some town raises money for a stadium, and interest on the municipal bonds they use to finance it is triple tax-exempt. Still just another tax break, just a bit more indirect.

I think there's no item in the federal budget for actual cash to send to the nfl the way there is actual cash to send to educational institutions as grants and programs.


Separately, I think it matters legally that nfl players voluntarily contract with their teams, whereas school students (in the pledge case) are minors compelled by law to attend school.

Finally I think there's more going on here than just whether or not the nfl and/or the teams can legally compel players to stand. At a minimum, it's an important matter or public debate whether they even should attempt to make standing a requirement.

having a right is one thing. Having the wisdom to know when not to exercise a right is another.

[JoeStuckInOH]

8. It's not in the rule book that players must stand for the anthem.

Otherwise ALL of these players not standing would receive penalties, be disqualified, or face fines.