The players have every right to protest on their own time. Once they are in uniform representing the team they need to focus on the game. The owners have the right to bench, fire, or discipline the players as they see fit if they violate the code of conduct set forward by the organization.

The Fans who truly hold the check book have the right to turn the sport off if they do not like the product being delivered, they do not like the protests, if they feel like they would rather go out and enjoy the day.

The players have a right to protest, but the fans have just as much right to take offense and turn off the game. If they do not agree with how the teams deal with the protests they have the right to boycott the games and the merchandise.

Right now the NFL is looking for a way out, but the fans have given up.  

They disrespect the people who fought for their rights to protest. That is what so many see which they cannot recover from.