WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement in response to the National Football League’s new policy on standing during the national anthem prior to games.

“This country stands for the constitutional protections of the First Amendment – the right of freedom of speech. That’s what this country is about. 

“I share the NFL players’ concerns about civil rights in America, particularly as our president adds fuel to the fire every day through his inflammatory comments and tweets. My hometown of Baltimore, home of the Ravens, has suffered greatly due to racial divisions and issues that have been buried too deeply in our community.

“I support the NFL players’ First Amendment rights to express themselves. At the same time, employers have the right to establish reasonable standards for their workplace. I would hope that the NFL owners and the NFL players can come to a reasonable agreement on how to proceed in this matter that is mindful of the constitutional protections guaranteed to all Americans.”