Rob Gronkowski stands on step ladder draped in American flag during national anthem

Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots standing on a step ladder draped in the American flag.

Foxborough, Massachusetts -  Rob Gronkowski, tight end for the New England Patriots, has caused a massive controversy by standing on a step ladder while draped in an American flag during the american national anthem before Thursday’s NFL game against the Jaguars.  When the anthem ended he raised his arms to the sky and fired off two roman candle fireworks.  He then proceeded with his usual routine of chugging two beers simultaneously before he ran onto the field.

After the game, Gronkowski had this to say, “We are the Patriots, what’s more patriotic than that.  This is American football!”  Gronkowski is the first player to perform a pro USA statement during the national anthem in the NFL. “I make millions of dollars playing the world's greatest sport.  You can't do this in the middle East. God bless America.”

Colin Kaepernick, who started the anthem protests movement last season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, responded to Gronkowski’s gesture.  “I certainly don’t agree with his statement, but that takes real courage to do what he did.  I took a stand when I knelt down last year, but my opinion was a popular one.”  Kaepernick said he will continue to kneel down during the anthem before every 49ers game while watching from home.

Protests have been increasing in number and variation around the league.  Marshawn Lynch of the Oakland Raiders sat down during the anthem this past Saturday, Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins raised his fist, Michael Bennett defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks played dead on the ground, Dolphins Punter Matt Darr was seen spinning himself in circles and Julio Jones was spotted doing the worm on top of a KKK hood.

The NFL released a statement saying that any future protests using props will result in a penalty to start the game.  

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said “We knew that restricting touchdown celebrations was going to force players to express themselves in different ways.  We let it go on for far too long. We realise that now and have relaxed the celebration rules for this upcoming year.  The added dances and gyrations will allow our players to express themselves more freely within the game.  I think this is our best shot at reducing the number of protests by NFL players.”