The protests during the national anthem before NFL games has become such a big issue on the business side of the organization that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's contract extension has been delayed, according to ESPN.com.

Goodell's contract reportedly is written up, but the league considers the NFL protests to be a larger matter, which means Goodell's contract extension has been put on the back burner.

According to ESPN sources, if the protesting hadn't dominated headlines over the past year, Goodell's deal might have been ready for the NFL owners' meetings last week in New York City. However, a large portion of the NFL meetings were spent discussing the protests.

Goodell's extension will be completed, according to a source, but the protests during the anthem are at the forefront of all NFL activities.

The protests have affected TV ratings, merchandise sales and has had an impact on how Americans feel about the NFL as a whole.