Facebook Twitter Tumblr Close Skip to main content
A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Post Misrepresents NFL Response to Oct. 7 Attack on Israel

Post Misrepresents NFL Response to Oct. 7 Attack on Israel

NFL teams paid tribute to the victims in Israel of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack by holding moments of silence before games during the following week. But a recent social media post falsely claimed the NFL encouraged players “to kneel for Israel before every game.” An NFL spokesperson called the claim “patently false.”

Kaepernick Arrest Story is False

Kaepernick Arrest Story is False

Q: Was Colin Kaepernick arrested during an NFL game on Sept. 9?

A: No. That story was originally published on a self-described satirical website.

False Claim About Kaepernick’s Nike Deal

False Claim About Kaepernick’s Nike Deal

Q: Did Nike end its new deal with Colin Kaepernick because he made “anti-white” remarks?

A: No. That made-up story was first published by a website that says its work is satire.

Cops Kneeling: Still False, A Year Later

Cops Kneeling: Still False, A Year Later

Q: Did police officers “take a knee” and then “walk out on” the Washington Redskins?

A: No. That made-up story was first posted by a self-described satirical website last year.

Weak Link in NFL Protest Story

Weak Link in NFL Protest Story

Q: Has George Soros been paying NFL players to protest?

A: No. A story making that claim offers no evidence to support it.

Seahawks Players Didn’t Burn Flag

Seahawks Players Didn’t Burn Flag

Q: Did players for the Seattle Seahawks burn the American flag?

A: No. A widely circulated picture was altered to make it look that way.

Trump Didn’t Change NFL Tax Status

Trump Didn’t Change NFL Tax Status

Q: Did President Donald Trump revoke the National Football League’s status as a nonprofit organization?

A: No. The NFL’s league office voluntarily gave up that status in 2015.

Answering NFL National Anthem Questions

Answering NFL National Anthem Questions

Q: Does the NFL have rules for player conduct during the national anthem? Does the Department of Defense fund patriotic ceremonies at NFL games?

A: Prior to May 2018, the league didn’t require players to stand during the anthem. The Defense Department no longer funds various patriotic displays.