NFL rejects 'Please Stand' ad for Super Bowl 52 program

It's been quite some time since players kneeling during the national anthem prior to a NFL game has made headlines, but as Super Bowl 52 draws closer, there has been controversy surrounding an ad that reads "Please Stand."  

A veterans organization, AMVETS, submitted a one-page ad for the NFL's Super Bowl program, however the league decided against running it.

“The Super Bowl game program is designed for fans to commemorate and celebrate the game, players, teams and the Super Bowl,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told USA Today.

“It’s never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement. The NFL has long supported the military and veterans and will again salute our service members in the Super Bowl with memorable on-field moments that will be televised as part of the game.”

The executive director of AMVETS, Joe Chenelly, defended their reasoning behind placing the ad and said they only wanted to exercise their free speech, just like the players who kneel during the national anthem.

McCarthy explained the NFL tried working with the organization to consider different wording options, but couldn't reach an agreement as production of the programs was delayed. 

“We looked to work with the organization and asked it to consider other options such as ‘Please Honor our Veterans,’” McCarthy said. “They chose not to and we asked it to consider using ‘Please Stand for Our Veterans.’ Production was delayed as we awaited an answer."

The protests began during the 2016 season when Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem to protest racial inequality. The protests carried into the 2017 season with more players following Kaepernick's lead, fueling a firestorm among fans.

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