Roger Goodell considers the intonation of the national anthem a “special moment” and “pride,” but at the same time, the NFL commissioner wants to respect the rights of league players to protest sitting during the anthem.

Goodell expressed his feeling during a question and answer session for Arizona Cardinals subscribers on Monday and a question was raised in questioning the commissioner whether the protests would be “another problem” this campaign.

On Saturday, Oakland Raiders rider Marshawn Lynch sat in a cooler during the pre-season hymn to the Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett also sat before the game against Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

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“It’s one of those things where we have to understand that there are people who have different points of view. It’s something that, it seems to me, everyone wants, “Goodell said. “The hymn is a special moment for me. It’s a point of pride. It’s really an important moment, but we must also understand the other side, the people who have rights and we want to respect them. ”

Goodell said he had a similar discussion during a New York Jets fan forum a couple of weeks ago. One player, whom Goodell did not name, was questioned about silent protests, the commissioner said.

According to Goodell, the player said that “there is a time and place” to protest.

That, Goodell said, is one of the key components players must recognize.

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“That’s what we all have to recognize, the responsibility to do things (protest) at the right time and in the right way,” Goodell emphasized.

“Protesting to progress is what I call that. We must all recognize that people want to see change. Let’s go out (to the street) and try to make that happen in a peaceful and important way, “he added.

Goodell also talked about other topics:

– The commissioner said the NFL does not like to see two stars suspended in consecutive seasons, as was the case with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who lost four games in 2016 and with the Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott, sentenced to six suspension games this year.

“(Sanctions) are dictated by circumstances. We do everything we can to ensure that we implement our policies and maintain our standards at the highest level. It’s the unfortunate thing about this, but that’s what it does, “Goodell said.

– The commissioner said the NFL has not heard fans’ concerns about traveling to London for the games this season in the British capital despite two terrorist attacks in England this year and added that ticket sales remain firm.

“We do not see (negative impact) on the sale of tickets. Obviously, there may be fans who say, ‘(Traveling to London) is not something we want to do’, but it’s not something we see right now. Our ticket sales are as strong as ever, “the commissioner reiterated.

– Despite the decision by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to end its partnership with the NFL when it expires on August 31 with about $ 16 million from an unused $ 30 million donation, Goodell said the league is committed to spending the rest of its donation.

“We worked with the NIH to find a way to spend that money effectively and to support the much-needed research,” he said.

– Goodell said he spoke with 80-100 players, including Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson about the NFL’s decision to relax punishments.

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Roger Goodell on Anthem Players. NFL Commissioner Goodell answered questions whether the protests would be “another problem” for the NFL this season.