I don't know any specifics, but have read that teams get money from the government for allowing patriotic themes (big flags held by servicemen and women, fly-overs, National Anthem, etc) before games. First off, if true....why? The owners don't need it and I would stop it in a heartbeat if I could. So if you collect money for standing for the Anthem, you damn better stand for it.
Second, yes you have the right to protest. I have the right to not watch. The reason for all of Roger Goodell's ruling is the viewership decline. Keep protesting, keep losing viewers and the cycle will repeat until your popularity ranks with Girl's field hockey. Exaggeration I know, but the NFL can't afford too much of a slip in ratings and lose their money from the networks. You can blame Trump for initiating the switch by the NFL, but people seemed to be doing their own counter-protest by switching off their TV for NFL games.
Living in Dallas area we read about the perks Goodell got for being the NFL commissioner from his spat with Jerry Jones, and all I can say is WOW! Trust me when I say this…no way he’s going to let the players interfere with his own gravy train or the owners.