NFL: Standing for national anthem 'not required'

The NFL on Saturday reacted to Colin Kaepernicks decision to make a Civil Rights statement by sitting during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy wrote in a statement to CSNBayArea.com. Kaepernick took a seat on the 49ers' bench near midfield on Friday night as the national anthem was played prior to the team's exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers.