The NBA said the same. Shut and play basketball. Look!
"However, on Friday, the NBA issued a memo to teams reminding them of the rule that requires players and coaches to stand for the national anthem.
Adam Silver confirmed to reporters that the league expects players to stand for the national anthem, citing the rule. He did not answer whether players would be penalized if the rule was broken."
https://www.sbnation.com/2017/9/25/16358070/national-anthem-protest-kneel-kneel-rule
In the heat of the kneeling debate, Silver sent a memo saying, "don't forget, you aren't allowed to protest during the anthem, be quiet and play basketball."
What's the difference?