NFL owners approve new policy regarding players on-field protests

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ATLANTA - NFL owners have approved a new policy aimed at addressing the firestorm over players protests.

The new policy would allow the league to fine individual clubs if players or other personnel do not stand during the national anthem.

Players would be permitted to stay in the locker room during the "The Star-Spangled Banner" but requires them to stand if they come to the field.

The decision was announced Wednesday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the league's spring meeting at the Whitley Hotel in Buckhead.

In a statement, Goodell said that the policy was approved "in concert with the NFL's ongoing commitment to local communities and our country."

Any violations of the policy would result in fines against the team -- not the players.

The owners spent several hours addressing the contentious issue, which triggered debates nationwide and received criticism from President Trump.

The NFL released the full policy in a statement: