I think the NFL needs to be careful how they handle this. I think it is time for them to work with the players and union and put an end to this situation as Dubz says. In return, offer something else as a gesture to the players for united expression outside the anthem/flag ceremony. The league is significantly represented by minority players (and fans) who might view a totally heavy handed approach as a slap in the face against their concerns and issues.
Different people interpret the flag and anthem differently. For me, the flag is the flag of the United States, not the flag of just the US military branches. Same with the anthem. Kneeling does not dishonor the military, and not one single player has expressed that sentiment. Does it perhaps mean more to armed service personnel and vets - yes, it likely does. Part of this is about intent and some groups/people are making these protests about other/bigger things than the protesters intend and assuming disrespects that are not intended. That said, when you go down the protest route in a situation that most people consider a time to "honor America", you risk alienating a lot of folks. They need to move on.
It seems like the NFL should offer the players who wish to protest a different forum. For example, a moment of silence before games for those who die from violence and injustice. Follow it by singing God Bless America or perhaps America the Beautiful or ????. Follow that with the anthem, color guard, etc. I don't know that something like that is an answer, but they need to find a way to separate the protest from the anthem, yet still make it meaningful.
