There are rules about modifying your uniform. This is because it can affect the sponsorship dollars that the NFL brand earns. There was no rule about standing for the anthem. Now the issue has become larger that it's not easy to put one in place. If there were a rule about standing for the anthem then Kap would have been violating it.
Speaking of disgrace, how do you feel when American's brandishing the Confederate flag (the nation who attempted to destroy America) or the Nazi flag (a foreign government)? Is your vitriol the same as blacks who kneel?
Yes, the NFL knows all about things that affect sponsorship dollars. And yes there are rules, social rules about standing for the Flag and the National Anthem. If Kneeling wasn't against protocol, it wouldn't be much of a protest would it?
Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A section 301 United States Code – National Anthem
(a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—
- (1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
- (2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
Also,
"The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."
The Flag code also addresses other aspects of your whataboutisms, wearing the flag, improper displays etc. I'd imagine those who do it are negligent.
https://www.legion.org/flag/code
I don't own a confederate flag, and I'm not sure what you mean by a nazi flag, a swastika?
The discussion here regards the proper conduct and respect towards the Amercian Flag. Regardless of your personal protests, kneeling during the National Anthem is not patriotic, it's disgraceful.