49ers’ York abstains as NFL adopts anthem policy requiring players to stand

Nearly two years after 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a national debate by kneeling during the national anthem to protest social-justice issues, NFL owners approved a new policy that will require all players to stand during the anthem this season, the league announced today. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the policy was approved unanimously at the spring owners meetings in Atlanta, but 49ers CEO Jed York, who was consistently supported his players' right to protest, told reporters he abstained from voting. York said he abstained partly because he wanted to receive more input from players. He also said he planned to halt concession sales during the anthem.