NWSL allows players to skip national anthem before games

Arguably the most memorable moment from the opening weekend of the NWSL Challenge Cup occurred when United States Women's National Team players Casey Short and Julie Ertz kneeled and embraced during the national anthem to protest police violence and racial injustices in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

Not all members of the Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit elected to kneel, however, which made for somewhat of an awkward visual.

The NWSL may be trying to avoid such images in the future by changing protocols for pregame ceremonies. From an official league statement: 

The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that it will revise its pregame ceremonies during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by P&G and Secret to provide additional flexibility for players to participate as they see fit. The national anthem will be played and players will have the option of being on the field or in their locker room.

This decision was made following conversations with players from around the league, as well as club officials and other stakeholders.

NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird made the following statement:

“We began this tournament with several important goals. Develop a safe environment for the continuation of sport. Create an innovative competition to showcase the vitality of women’s soccer. Collaborate with our players association and develop a genuine partnership. Raise revenue to fund player compensation. And support and empower players to use their platform to make the world a better place.

"And so, we’re going to continue to play the national anthem, but with even more flexibility, and support each player’s right to express their individual views, or not.

"The NWSL stands behind every player, official and staff member. Kneel on the field. Stand with your hand over your heart. Honor your feelings in the privacy of the locker room or at midfield.

"The NWSL is a league that was built on diversity and courage and those principles will continue to drive us forward.”

Recently, the U.S. Soccer Federation repealed a law that threatened bans for national team players who didn't stand during the "Star-Spangled Banner" before games. 

Tulsa Athletic of the NPSL announced last week that it is replacing the national anthem with “This Land Is Your Land” because the team "does not believe 'The Star-Spangled Banner' represents or unites their diverse players, fans and community."