When Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016-- protesting police brutality-- the nation was divided.

"We’ve been very sensitive in making sure we give players choices, but we do believe that that moment is an important moment,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. 

And now two years later, the NFL has announced a new policy about kneeling -- leaving the nation once again at odds.

"They seem to have forgotten this nation was founded on protest," said Syracuse acitivist and organizer Herve Comeau.

Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that teams will be fined if their players take a knee during the anthem. Players who choose not to stand can stay off the field. In the past, they were required to be on the field.

"What they're essentially saying is that players who are concerned about what's going on in America can be quiet and invisible, they can be away and outside," said Comeau

"This is a very specific cause that means a lot to a lot of these players and I think it's wrong of the NFL to say that they can't kneel," said Gabriel Decker-Lee. 

In Syracuse, some say the NFL policy is wrong.

"We're a country that was founded on this belief of free speech, on this belief that individuals have the right to speak out on tyrannical governance and that's what these players are doing and they are being silenced," said Comeau.

The NFL Players Association said it will challenge any part of the new policy that violates the collective bargaining agreement.

"I support the players that are kneeling, I support their message, I don't support the NFL." 

Some we spoke to off camera say they support it. They even say it's about time the NFL has taken a stance.