NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says they've changed their stance on players protesting against racial discrimination.
The league had previously punished players for taking a knee during the anthem, which was started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
Goodell admits they should have listened to their players' concerns earlier but did not reference former San Francisco quarter-back Kaepernick in his apology.
"We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People," he said in a video on the league's Twitter page.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv
— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
"We admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter."
"I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country," he added.
"Without black players there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff."
