I don't think there is any agreement as to what the "truth" is, and I am very sure there never will be. As a result, you never see any discussion of those issues anymore. Instead, the discussion is always about NFL players.

By the way, for those that think this involves an issue of free speech, let me provide an alternate scenario. Let's change it three ways - first, from big business to small business, second from the current issue to some alternate one, and third, change the protest to one that some people might feel differently about. In doing so, we can see if it is indeed "free speech" that they support, or perhaps only this particular speech, against these particular businesses.

Here is my hypothetical:
Suppose a small caterer hires a new employee, who happens to to be a Moslem. The caterer tries to get business from everyone, and books gay marriages as well as other types. The next wedding on the calendar happens to be a gay marriage, to be held in a public park. The Moslem is assigned to the wedding, and wears a pin that says "Homosexuality is a vile form of fornication, and an abomination before Allah". On Monday, following the wedding, three previously booked gay weddings call in and cancel, representing about 5% of his future bookings. This was a silent form of protest, held in a public place, but held while on the payroll of his employer, and which harmed that employer. Can the employer terminate him? If not, is it because of his right to free speech in a pubic place? Or, perhaps, because of his right to freedom of religion?

Are you offended by letters c and j in the flag code? The NFL violates this part of the code on many occasions throughout the year. And as far as I can tell, the word kneeling is no where to found in this code.

Very thought provoking query. Would you be willing to consider a bench appointment?

Diversion or just another example of something that makes you uncomfortable or, oh let me see, was it offended. If you claim to honor the flag, you can't pick and choose which parts of the flag code you'll honor.

Part 8 c and j.

https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf

Thank you for the interesting reply to my hypothetical question. I agree that the answers to your questions would affect the ability of the business owner to take action, and how strong an action he could take. Nevertheless, your questions do indicate that you believe that he could take some action regardless of the answers. Thus, say that there was no dress code, he didn't inspect the employes, and he had no written manual, I agree that he couldn't fire the person for his first offense. However, I suspect that you believe he could still give the employee a warning, and make sure that the employee understood that he was not to do this in the future.

If we apply the rules some propose for he kneeling situation, the business owner would have no recourse. A dress code or inspection would be unenforceable, since the employee's right to free speech and his right to his religious beliefs would be more important the the business owner's right to operate his business as he sees fit.

You're correct ,I believe the employer could issue a warning and tell the person in question he was not to do that in the future.

I can also tell you that,if this did happen,and I didn't have a written policy,I would put one in place.

I also agree that the rules some people have suggested for kneeling would eliminate the business owner's ability to operate his business as he sees fit.

Personally,I think the anthem issue won't be fully resolved until the next contract with the players' union is negotiated.
Then they can put a policy in place the entire league has to follow.

“However,although they do not follow the Flag Code,the "violations" are not done with any disrespect.”

Many would say that any violation of the flag code is disrespectful. It is pretty convenient to say “I think that is respectful but this is not.” The reason for a violation is not relevant to whether it is a violation.

You either respect the flag code or you don’t.

I stand, take my hat off and am respectful of the flag code. No one knows, except me, what I am thinking about all the things that other people say that the flag stands for. It is a symbol of so many things to so many people. There are 2 reasons I would not run a lap with the American flag on my shoulders after winning an Olympic gold medal 1) it is disrespectful of the flag and 2) goes without saying.

If the league or owner has rules then I do believe an employee should follow the rules. Absent that there is no penalty nor punishment for a violation of the flag code prescribed in the code.