'We were wrong': NFL to allow players' protest
The National Football League has said players ought to be allowed to protest during the national anthem as rallies against racial discrimination continue.
"We were wrong for not hearing NFL players earlier and motivate all to speak out and peacefully protest," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
The NFL had previously banned players from dropping to one knee, a practice started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
Meanwhile, a sizable protest is expected in Washington DC on Saturday.
The demonstration may be the latest in a series of protests against police brutality and racism that contain been held across the US following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May.
Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man in handcuffs, died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. The officer has been charged with murder while three colleagues stand accused of aiding and abetting.
On Friday, Minneapolis officials said police would be banned from using neck restraints and California pledged to follow suit.
What did the NFL commissioner say?
In a video, Mr Goodell denounced racism in the US in comments that came soon after several players urged the NFL to take a more robust stance on racism and police brutality in the united states.
"We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter. Protests around the united states are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff," he said.
"I will be calling players who've raised their voices and others how we are able to improve."
But on Friday President Donald Trump again voiced his opposition to such protests, saying on Twitter: "We should be taking a stand straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other activities you can protest, however, not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!"
